tommo

My team would be that mentioned previously of ................Friedel Young Dunne© Collins Warnock .......NRC Delph Sidwell Albrighton Gabby A.Young this could be really successful for us away from home. Wouldn't mind too much seeing Young in the free role that he had in the 07/08 season, with Carew in the side and that ^ midfield three. MON won't play albrighton i'm sure so this is a more likely option. As long as Delph and NRC are in the side I think the flair/grit combo will work for us, and in the games they have played this season they are the 2 centre mids that I have been most impressed with this season yet strangely they find themselves on the bench. Im not getting my hopes up too much though as with MON choosing the team I wouldnt be surprised if it was .............Friedel Young Dunne Collins Warnock Gabby Petrov Sidwell Young ..........Carew Heskey I think annoyingly Stan will play if he is 50% plus fit. And that isn't an Anti Stan post, I think he's a good player, but it's an anti 'let's bum Stan and play him in a system that doesn't suit him and the team for 90mins every game'. So I think it could be a breath of fresh air for the team if MON is forced not to play Stan tonight. If he is fit however, I wouldn't be adverse to a midfield 3 of him, NRC and Delph with Young in a free role.

We're just discussing the team selection and the game. Writing C'MON Villa on an online message board probably isn't what its for. Anyway lets see how it goes

Why the hell can't people just chill and support the lads for the next 90 minutes? COME ON YOU VILLA BOYS!!!!!!!!!! Because the thread would be pretty pointless if there were just threads like OH CRAP, GO GABBY!!! C'MON VILLA, GET A GOAL, WHO ATE ALL THE PIES ETC. THe game is there to be discussed is it not?

Because they are all experienced players in Shorey Beye and Young and they must be accommodated in MON's world. Even if it limits our options without Fonz and Albrighton. But at the end of the day they wouldn't get a chance anyway. The only players who have a vague chance of getting on (barring injury to a defender) are Deplh Carew and at a push Coker, but that's probably unrealistic unless Stan breaks his leg.

It's laughable that we've actually discussed potential tactics on this board. Same old, same old. If Dunne and Collins aren't 100% today I think we will get found out.

My team would be, ...............Friedel Young/Beye Collins Dunne Warnock .........NRC.............Petrov ...................Delph Milner.......Gabby............Young However MONs team will inevitably be, ................Friedel Cuellar Collins Dunne Warnock Milner Petrov Delph/Sidders Young ...........Carew....Gabby If this is the case I think it will take a monumental effort from Dunne and Collins again if we are to come away with anything. With the 4 5 1 we can stop their only real creative presence in Pienaar, stop their aerial presence with our super cbs and really get at their rbs with our wing play. They have I think Lucas Neill who is vastly overrated IMO, tony hibbert who young gave a scare last year and i think gosling or one of their others is playing lb atm. Plus they are vulnerable at the back without Jagielka and Delph will offer a creative side that we usually lack.

Friedel 7- looked fairly assured Cuellar 7- good performance defensively and roamed forwards once or twice. Distribution not as good. Collins 8*- felt he was caught out only once in the first half, but once again he was excellent in a game where the defence was exposed. Dunne 6- caught out early on and could have conceded a penalty but was fairly reliable. Warnock 7- impressive again as he has been for the last few games. Milner 7- excellent workrate and good defensive work. He also looks a bigger threat than young in his delivery from open play (I like him on the left) Petrov 5- showed his worth in the last two games but today he was bypassed. Something that happens all too often in this system. Sidwell 4- I barely noticed him in the last two games, which suggests he did a quietly effective job. Yesterday I noticed him for all the wrong reasons- poorly timed headers, slack passing, being caught in possession and a rash challenge in the area. Young 5- must improve. Twice wasted key opportunities in the second half, when last year or the year before he would've been more confident. Woefully off target. Carew 5- he was just disappointingly slack in possession and looked cumbersome. Not sure what is wrong with him since that well taken goal v Vienna. Agbonlahor 7- wasteful at times but was a threat again. Got the goal, and I noticed as soon as that happened the confidence came back. - Heskey - did more than carew in the short time he was on and nice vision for the goal. MON 5- I was prepared to put my doubts about this formation aside after our performances in the last two games, but it seems as soon as teams come after us we get outplayed through the middle, and this game reminded me a lot of the blackburn game. It makes us look really gung ho and one dimensional and it's not nice to watch. Although we naturally like to attack, the system puts pressure on our outlets to do too much defensive work, and there are major issues in the centre of midfield. I will keep saying this until it stops, that MON must adapt to certain situations, and this mentality of deploying no tactics and playing the same 11 every game is going to cost us points, whether the effort is there or not. He was guilty of this again yesterday. Also in the games that I have seen them play this season, imo the two midfielders that would offer us more both creatively and defensively are sat on the bench in Delph and Coker. I would like to see them at Sunderland and hopefully on the back of good performances, deployed in a central 3 with petrov at Everton.

Maybe you'd like to admit that MON got it right today and you called it wrong? haha good research! I called it wrong yes but I noticed a few people predicting defeat when the team was announced. I'd say MON certainly got the teamtalk right today, but i'd still find it hard to say that we are better in this formation, it has been proven we are more solid in a 451. MON did drop a man in today to protect the lead, which was an astounding display of tactics that we have rarely seen from him. Simple things that need to be done more often. Keep it up MON. I did say that we probably can't expect our defenders to play like they did against city every game, hence the 442 would get found out today. However, our defenders did play out of their skins again and the team gave 100%, and we punished 2 horrific errors. So I hold my hands up lol.

What a strange set of musings. Chelsea were good today. We were better. That was down to effort, skill, team selection, and tactics. Petrov was inspirational. And he was the captain, and gave a captain's performance. Your reference to the CBs being the "spiritual captains" is a quite insulting attempt to deny him the credit for his exemplary play. Why? Does it fit some preconception? Do you have some idea that you want to try to construct "evidence" to support? For ****'s sake, just recognise that the team and the manager achieved a great result over a very good team who played very well, while using players and tactics which you think are crap. Petrov played a decent game today, as he did against city. All i'm saying is that since dunne and collins have come into the side they have looked inspirational, and they for me are a large reason why this system (which for so long failed) has maybe turned a corner and could work with two outstanding defenders. I have my doubts about Petrov as captain, but I hold my hands up today, he played well. And I do recognise we played a good game today, and that I thought was down to our ability to be quick out the box and excellent energy levels, something that chelsea couldn't get to grips with. As for tactics and team selection being spot on...well that's pushing it a bit, as he's very predictable in that respect and I don't think he thinks about that too much, but 10/10 for the teamtalk in the last two games MON.

Ultimately our effort was 100% throughout. Chelsea were i'd say, working at about 50% and upped it to about 75% after our second. It shows that if you do have 11 men working for each other anything can happen in football, regardless of MON's lack of tactics. I think the failings if the 442 with petrov may again come back to haunt us if he sticks with it, but at the moment those two at the back have given us some leadership that perhaps we haven't had when this system has invariably failed over the last 6 months. Admittedly, Chelsea did play some nice stuff in the second half, they will do, they have some of the best players in the world. But we caught them off guard today, much like we did to city in the last game. That's a useful trait to have- to start games better than the opponent and do them for effort. But chelsea were off colour, no doubt about it. If they weren't then we will comfortably win the league this year! The two cbs have been inspiring and the spiritual captains for the last few games, and when the opportunity arises one of them should be given the captaincy if NRC is out the door. Petrov quite simply does not inspire those around him and maybe this is what we've been lacking, much like barry.

don't believe that for a second, watch the game again. Don't believe what for a second? That chelsea didn't get off the coach? What I meant by that was that they were half asleep until about 60 mins in. Ashley Cole, Carvalho, Malouda, Anelka, and Deco jesus what a waste of space. Terry's the only one who can be given credit imo. I mean credit to Villa as they were better all over the pitch but Chelsea have had much better days AND for both our goals their defending was comical. They didn't seem to turn up for me. Villa did thankfully.

Friedel 6- an unusual gaff from the big man, but redeemed himself with some crucial although straightforward saves. Cuellar 7- good defensive work and poor distribution is becoming a feature with him at right back. Collins 9*- got a goal and another excellent all round defensive display. Dunne 8- while I thought Dunne shaded Collins in the City game, Collins just shaded it today, but otherwise, ditto. Warnock 8- very impressive and warrants his place on this evidence. Milner 7- great workrate again and tracked back superbly. Petrov 7- he played nicely again. Either he's out to prove he can play in this system or MON has told him to pull his weight so he doesn't have to play NRC. Sidwell 6- didn't notice him but he must be doing a half decent job. Young 6- strange to give him an average mark considering he laid on both goals. Overall though he probably didn't do as much as he could, and the goals were mainly brought about due to Chelsea's ineptitude. Carew 6- slightly better. Agbonlahor 7- super energy and should have had a pen. Would have given him 8 but for a quieter 2nd half. Heskey- not on long enough to rate. MON 7- probably again isn't getting as much out of our class players as he could if he played the right system. At least today I think he heeded the warning and switched Milner inside to close the game out, although had Chelsea taken their easy chances before that we'd have been talking about poor management again. The straight Heskey substitution was highly predictable in order to appease the media. And on this evidence there seems to be a very real issue with NRC, he should have been on for the last 15 or in my opinion from the start. In all, much like the City game, all action, dangerous set pieces and a superb defensive duo. I can't help but be frustrated by MON's stubborn formation, but with results and attitude like this you can't complain, even though Chelsea didn't get out off the coach today IMO.

I think MON would be nutty to go into this one with a 442. I think we got away with it to an extent against Citeh as they were playing two slower players in the centre which played into our hands for most of the game, and also our 2 cbs were playing at their optimum level, which we probably can't expect every game. I think if we go in 4-5-1 it suits our wingers and we can get at them, but it could be a bit backs to the wall, so we need NRC please. I predict a gritty 0-0 or 1-1. However, 442 and I think it'll be game that we play into their hands and they'll stroll it 2-0 without getting into 2nd gear. We got away with it against city, but i'm sure that they'd have won had ireland been playing from the start, and chelsea are better than city.

Hey Stally, I agree with everything u say there. Check out my report on Pg6 (tommo) see if u agree.

Watched the game in the pub tonight and was mightily impressed with the lads. To begin with, ok people may argue to the contrary but MON's team selection deploying petrov again in a 442 defied belief against a team with the quality of Citeh...and to an extent I had given up before the game having seen the line up, as I did against liverpool (but was proven wrong due to correct selection). Anyway less of MON, i'll come to him later. Onto the lads, from which there were a HELL of a lot of positives tonight. My ratings: Friedel- Big brad never looked in trouble and made an excellent reaction save from adebayor in the first half. 7 Cuellar- Bellamy troubled him (as any good player should against a player played out of position). Nevertheless he made some key interceptions. 7 Collins- Excellent, but overshadowed by the big man next door. 8 Dunne- Scored the goal. Before the game I had doubted his ability to cope with great movement, particularly given the '442 lets give the defence no support' system again. But there were two words which describe this performance. MONUMENTAL and LAURSEN-ESQUE. And with slight reluctance on my behalf to dish out 10s, big Dunny does in fact get a... er...10* Warnock - sloppily gave away possession once or twice, but made determined runs and some key interceptions. 7 Milner - Unbelievable workrate, and I like the fact that Young and him switch occasionally because I like Jimmy on the left. 7 Petrov- Despite an inept performance against blackburn in this system, Stan really did try hard tonight, made key interceptions and kept play moving when we were in possession. Left wanting defensively at times when Citeh were on top 60-75 mins. 7 Sidwell- Tried hard but didn't see him much. Some nice interceptions and quietly effective. 7 Young- Best i've seen him play when running with the ball for some time in the first half. Seemed to be struggling with a knock in the second and his delivery became wasteful. 7 Carew- the Gabby/Carew combo worked in the first half. He still looked a little off the pace in what was a high tempo game but I like the way he dropped deep to support the midfield. 6 Gabby- the Gabster is playing with a smile on his face, and whether he is wasteful or not, his pace and determination are a major asset at the moment. 8 - Heskey- didn't understand the substitution, but he worked his marker well, despite looking like a donkey deep into injury time when villa were well set on the edge of their box. 7 NRC- good to see him but he looked deflated. Didn't do enough to rate. MON 6-You have to give the guy credit for a nice team talk today. Every player came out and gave 100% (although one didnt need the teamtalk in the case of dunne). I liked the way Carew dropped deep to support defensively, not sure whether that was MON's decision though. Despite the poor team selection, we were aided in the first half by an unbelievable CB performance, 100% work ethic, and Man City's insistance on going down the wings rather than playing it through our spacious midfield. As soon as Ireland was thrown on Citeh were a different animal, and MON could have immediately countered this by putting on a central midfielder. He didn't, and inevitably Ireland was given not one, but two chances in total space to create a chance for their equaliser. Tonight's performance was excellent from the lads, but the weaklink again was MON. I can't help but think that if we'd deployed a similar system as against liverpool, particularly in the second half when citeh got on top, this would have been 3 points for the taking. Dunne though, and the team, have to take the plaudits...to leave on a positive note.

I think if we go 4-5-1 with NRC there is no reason why we can't get something, although it will be a case of stifling them, as they are better than us man for man and will also deploy a similar system I'd imagine. If this is the case I'll say we'll win win the game 2-1 or draw 1-1. Villa usually defy the odds with a 4-5-1 and it might be a good night. However without NRC we might not be in a position to stifle them, and if MON (stupidly) goes in with a 442 with Petrov, then we may well be mauled, as without protection I can see Dunne being a liability against forwards of that quality. If this is the case I can see a 1-3 or 1-4 reverse, because he won't change it to 4-5-1 mid game if the 442 isn't working. I now don't know what to expect from MON given the Wigan and Blackburn tactical and selection debacles hence I can't make an accurate prediction. But I'll go optimistic and say NRC will return in a 4-5-1 and we'll win 2-1 in a panic inducing last 10 minutes!!

Friedel 7- did particularly well and made two excellent saves of note. Cuellar 6- ok defensively, but really he should be playing in the centre, and did nothing to suggest he should be moved from cb. Doesn't offer as much at RB as Beye, and arguably gardner and coker. Collins 6- Arguably also to blame for the first goal Dunne 5- surprisingly fragile Warnock 6- ok Milner 7*- villa's best player, providing a constant threat and workrate. Became ineffective when moved inside and killed our chances of getting something. Petrov 3- utterly inept, out of depth and overrun in this system. Delph 7- nice passing and again lively. Lost impetus when he was taken off, and unfortunately was booked for a naive challenge doing Petrov's dirty work. Young 5- not in the game, and delivery was too inconsistent. Carew 4- failed to hold the ball up, and dare i say it, looked lazy. Agbonlahor 6- got the customary goal and did one or two decent things. Struggled when MON killed the shape towards the end. Heskey- Not worth rating. Wrong position completely. I sympathise on this occasion. MON 2-I'm thinking this should be the line up for Man City; .............Friedel Milner Dunne Collins Heskey ............Petrov Warnock Cuellar Young Carew ..............Gabby At least its 4-5-1. His performance is not worth rating as his tactics are utterly farcical when things don't go right. He got it wrong from the start, and the system/substitution at the end was purely comical. And don't give me any of this "for a comedian he's a bloody good football manager". It was comical today and it certainly isn't funny if you're a Villa fan. Trouble is, we have the players to compete at the top, and a system that can IMO compete with the best. The fact is that MON will cost us crucial points at times this season unless he becomes less stubborn, as he is unable to correct something if it is wrong in the first place. In this instance he was wrong in the first place and somehow managed to make things even worse.

Agree with the last 3 sentences but not the 1st

you're being obtuse on purpose. MON might be baffling, but his tactics work most matches. OK, i'll take your word for it.

I seem to be getting some stick on here for suggesting MON is a bad tactician. I'm not suggesting I could do a better job, i'm merely suggesting that my team selections and tactical substitutions might work. MON's are baffling and rarely work. As for the 5 wins, that sort of run won't continue with this sort of naivety.

And a desperate tactician. it's ludicrous

MON doesn't realise how to use them to their full potential, that's the problem. Lampard and gerrard didnt work centrally because they were naive defensively and that's exactly what villa are, naive, without a coker figure ( or dare i say it, a barry figure (for england that is)) I think i trust his tactics and football knowledge above yours in all fairness Urm, I think you would find the fair share of Villa fans could do a better job tactically than MON. He can do everything else. Heskey now at left mid with milner inside proves my point. It has become comical lol Are you taking the Piss? Out of who? MON, yes. The tactics are purely comical.

MON doesn't realise how to use them to their full potential, that's the problem. Lampard and gerrard didnt work centrally because they were naive defensively and that's exactly what villa are, naive, without a coker figure ( or dare i say it, a barry figure (for england that is)) I think i trust his tactics and football knowledge above yours in all fairness Urm, I think you would find the fair share of Villa fans could do a better job tactically than MON. He can do everything else. Heskey now at left mid with milner inside proves my point. It has become comical lol

MON doesn't realise how to use them to their full potential, that's the problem. Lampard and gerrard didnt work centrally because they were naive defensively and that's exactly what villa are, naive, without a coker figure ( or dare i say it, a barry figure (for england that is))

cheers lol