Just got back to Leeds from the match, took my two daughters (4 and 5) to their first game and it was a resounding success (well done villa, £40 for 2 adults and 2 children!)
I taught them the John Carew song in the car, they were gutted he wasn't playing as I had built him up to be some sort of mythological demi-god they would be witnessing.
They were thrilled by his presence in the second half and loved the fact that the first thing he did was push one of their defenders over, and howled when that right back bounced of him and sprawled to the floor when he foolishly tried to shoulder charge him.
Anyway
Fridel-Easy afternoon in the office
Beye-Loooks very solid in defense, could do with a bit more drive going forward
Cuellar-Keep it going like that big man, your on your way to filling part of the hole left by Laursen if you do
Clarke-Maybe the reason MON wasn't quite as worried as some members of VT about our lack of CBs, it does seem strange that Lowery came on the past two matches and he started this one though, any ideas why?
Shorey-Playing well, and on form, but still backup at best if we are to progress
NRC-Not quite the display we saw at Anfield but effective and energetic
Sidwell-One of his best displays in a VIlla shirt, involved a lot more than usual, now if he could just get those headers on target.....
Petrov-Tidy and tireless in the midfield, if not spectacular
Milner-Industry, creativity, drive and commitment, I love you James
Young-Getting back to his best, you can see he is very close to doing something special at many points through the match, just needs a bit of luck and or confidence
Agbonlahor-Great goal, defending from the front and the ocacasional 'intelligent' run. Interesting what he can do when he is not completely exhausted from playing 2 seasons solidy 90 minutes of virtually every game, , maybe he isnt 'shit' after all.
Well done Martin, good choice of formation, good choice of players, I was worried he would not do certain things just though sheer bloody mindedness, but I was glad to be wrong