Philosopher

I am not sure in the case of Yorke we ever quite got over his loss; looking back the money never really replaced him. Yorke was a genuine 20 goal a season striker with the quality to create something out of nothing. I would in las 20 years only Cantona, Rooney and Ronaldo could be considered better strikers for Man U. So all in all very hard to replace. Milner will be difficult to replace, it can be done though, but I would prefer to keep him if 25 mill is the best we can get for him, that would only get us 2 or three decent players and they wouldn't have anywhere near the current standing of Milner. I do think the squad needs freshening up, so Milner leaving could be a blessing if we get in excess of 30 mill for him.

I can't believe that people are writing us of for 4th, its ridiculous. We have played some blinding football at times in the last two games, we have come from behind to get a result and maintain our EXCELLENT undefeated run in the league. Tottenham have 4 point on us but still have to play Arsenal, Chelsea and Man U, Man city are only two points ahead of us and we still have to play them in the 37 game of the season, Liverpool are still poor. Throw in the fact MON is prepared to play Albrighton and the Fonz as well as Delph to come in. Throw in the fact Chelsea are a little vulnerable right now I think we still have all to play for. It not all doom and gloom, we need to be positive and back our fine team that play their heart out every week and the manager that inspires them to do so.

spurs still have to beat fulham remember!

Well we have to beat Chelsea in the semi's.

Well considering most of the lads that played today have played in the majority of our games this season and all of them had to overcome the demoralising effect that only defeat at Wembley can provide I am just happy that we won and showed real guts to come back from 2 goals down. This is the type of result that can instill a lot of belief in players. Comeback wins are a massive boost in confidence. Man U of the nineties specialised in being average for over 45 minutes in matches against teams there where expected to beat easily but coming back to win. I am more worried by the fact that the players have looked to be tiring in the final 30 minutes of matches consistently for the last 6 weeks.

Totally agree A hattrick can't ignored, plus Youngs delivery stank in the first half . Agreed Cuellar has done well at right back, and a beard doesn't qualify one for a Philosophy doctorate. Collins has been OK, every player makes mistakes every now and then, and I personally think Dunne was slightly at fault for the first goal today, as he should have been on Shane Long, but instead joined Cuellar, Heskey and Collins in trying to win the header ingmarson flicked on for Long. Collins reads the game well and tend to stop things before they become a problem, Dunne however is a stopper in the truest sense of the word. He positions himself to stop anything thrown at him. So the too compliment each other well. I agree to an extent. Collin or Cuellar are on a similar level to me, Young is a better RB than Cuellar but sometimes its necessary to play Cuellar at RB. If we played Stoke, Blackburn or similar team with one of Carew or Heskey upfront with Gabby, we need Cuellars height in defense as take out the too CB's, and the big man upfront, only gabby is anywhere near 6 foot. Plus Cuellar provides an extra aerial threat on set pieces and crosses. Also L.Young is not actually that great when it comes to distribution and crossing, and only a little better than Cuellar, if Beye could defend then he would easily be our first choice RB. Warnock was injured for a month and before his injury looked like the second best LB in the country. He has made a few mistakes since coming back in and was caught out of position for Readings second goal. But that don't mean he has all of a sudden become a bad player. Me thinks you are blind. Downing has pace he just doesn't have Gabby or Young's explosive acceleration. Speed wise he is on par with Milner and is a strong runner with the ball from deep. The thing today was that Reading played 5 across midfield and didn't allow Downing or Milner for that matter find to any openings to run through. Because of Downing slightly above average acceleration he struggle to go past the full back. But that's not what MON signed him to do. We would be far too open if we had two wingers playing high up the pitch along with 2 strikers. The idea is that Ash pushes up to A, provide an extra outlet, and B to be another pace player trying to get in behind (Gabby to get in behind the defense and Young to get in behind the midfield and run at the defense). Downing's role is to play deeper and carry the ball out of his own half and use his excellent passing in the build up. He doesn't need to beat the fullback because A he can cross from in front of the fullback and B can use the overlapping fullback to get in behind. Our problem is that we lack a RB with a decent cross and pass that can also defend. Heskey came and showed he intent right away with a more aggressive approach, also Heskey was the one that brought the down, held it up and laid the ball off in the build up to two of our goals. Heskey's work goes un-noticed to most as what he does so well and is so important for us is simple stuff. Come deep to provide the midfielders with a short forward passing option, hold the ball up lay it off. That's what Heskey does better than any big man in the league and why he is Cappello's preferred partner for Rooney. Heskey upfront and on song means that Milner, Downing and A.Young see more of the ball. In the first half Heskey was too easily beaten to the ball and when he did get the ball gave it away, just like Carew. In the second half the both improved in their hold up play. As for Heskey's one on one, he did very well to burst between two defenders and then out pace them, the problem was a couple of bad bobbles on a pitch that made Wembley look like the red carpet meant he never had the ball under control and in the end was a little too close to the keeper when he tried to lift the ball over him. He actually did everything right. The only criticism you can maybe accuse him of during that one on one is that he should have lifted the ball a bit higher then it might have gone in. But that would be harsh. Carew seemed to re-discover his touch in the second half (which had been missing since last year), which is why he did so well.

From the beginning of the first half I was annoyed when I saw Heskey and Carew up front, because as far as I am concerned if Gabby doesn't start then Delfouneso should. Young Nathan has the talent and should be given a chance. Heskey and Carew were piss poor in the first half, the least I expect from them is to be able to hold up the ball, but they couldn't even do that. After half time Carew and Heskey actually started linking up and holding up the ball (shock horror) and that was the main difference between first half Villa and second half Villa. Carew was brilliant in the second half (thankfully) and that was down to him feeding of Heskey. I still believe Delfouneso should have started though. The Reading defense is slow (with the exception of Bertrand) and Nathan would had a field day with decent supply I am sure. Plus his freshness and hunger would have given us a but if impetus upfront in the first half at least. There won't be any rest for or first team now, and even though the March hoodoo is done with, I am still worried about this month, I hope MON start using his subs, and rotates just a little. On the plus side this result with have restored the confidence lost from the CC final defeat and Gabby getting a bit more rest (even though the runs was his reason for not playing today) will help prevent him burning out.

If it wasn't for winning and scoring the penalties I would be giving Carew a 1. As a result he gets a 6.

Apart from winning and scoring two penalties, Carew had a shocker, he wouldn't get that lucky against ManUre, no question Heskey starts if fit on Sunday.

You may be right, the mans an enigma.

He doesn't have the positioning to play defensive midfield, and it takes a lot of discipline. I do believe he can play there once he has a a few seasons in the prem, but it won't be his best position. I see him as a box to box player that will become a deep lying playmaker in his later years. He is probably capable of playing any type of central midfield role, which is why I see him as a box to box player. The boy has good timing in the challenge as well as being very agressive in the tackle, but he needs to improve his technique in the tackle. Also he should learn from petrov, how to make an innocuous foul when beaten, as he always just flies in.

I thought up until Nani's sending off, it was a fine game to watch. Challenges flying in, plenty of attacking intent from both teams, and lots of quality. Cuellar's goal was very good, it was a fine header. After Nani got sent off, our players seemed a little restrained like they were scared to go in for hard challenges right up until the midpoint of the second half. Milner looked very tired at the end of the game and must be rested for the FA cup match. Man U kept the ball well we didn't. That was partly down to not enough bodies getting forward when we were in possession. Carew coming on meant our play reverted back to the pre-November period, which is never going to be sufficient to beat Man U. Still it looked like the right decision at the time. Probably Milner should have been the man to come off as the guy was clearly getting tired, but my guess is Delph will be starting at the weekend, which is why he was taken off. Downing gave the ball away a lot, but he kept trying to create. It was just one of those days when things didn't go for him. He did look to slow things down when in possession which was a good thing to do, and the other players should have done so as well, as when playing ten men the best tactic is to be patient, keep the ball and make them work. This way but the final 15 minutes they will be worn out and openings will start to show. Man U always had at least 5 or 6 men back once Nani went off and we were only committing 4 bodies forward most of time. I think MON just didn't want us to get beat, it seems to me that the cup final coming up was the reason for this. I have no complaints about the draw its a good result, especially considering the other results. Friedel - 8 - Did what he had to do, no chance on the goal, two good saves. Cuellar - 8- Fine goal, worked hard, provided an aerial threat when playing 4-5-1/4-3-3, solid defensively, one mistake made all game in the build up to the Man U goal. L.Young - 7 - Worked hard, provided support to the widemen (particularly in the first half) took players on, but tended to run down blind ally's in the process. Dunne - 7 - Rock as usual, but Rooney was a real handful. Collins - 7- Unlucky with the O.G, distribution was good, broke forward out to defense a couple a few times and no one supported him. Solid. Petrov - 7 - Excellent first half, kept the ball brilliantly, won lots of free kicks, lot creative going forward, faded badly in second most likely due to injury. Delph - 6.5 - Lively first half, looked good on the ball, took players on and looks to be a star in the making, so long as he can improve his positional play, and remove that odd lapse in concentration. Faded in second half, needs to get fitter. Milner - 6 - Worked hard as usual, looked tired in second half, passing was not good enough, too many went astray. Downing - 6 - Lost possession a lot, worked hard, tried to slow things down and keep possession but didn't the support he needed in that respect. A.Young - 6.5 - Always looking to take on his man, troubled both fullbacks, particularly Rafael, clearly missed having a big man to aim at in the first 60 minutes. Final 40 minutes just never got the support he needed. Gabby - 6.5 - First half did well posed a threat but his movement in the box really needs to improve. Second half didn't get the supply. Carew - 5 - Looked a little up for it at first, but never got into the game as the supply was poor and he didn't work hard enough. Sidwell - 4 - Awful, I really thought he would turn out to be a top player for us, but seem to lack quality. Tried to play holding role, but his movement was non-existent. the amount of times a 15-20 yard run could have opened things up but he just stood there was really frustrating.

What a goal from Gabby, sweeeeet!

YYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! GET IN Everyone gets a TEN MAGNIFICENT performance I am going to be happy until at least next weekend!

Burnley are a good team but these guys are made for us. Burnley like to get at the opposition teams when playing at home and if they try that on us we will look to play our natural game, which is to soak up the pressure and hit on the break. This should be a comfy 2-0 or 3-1 type result, but you never know. I expect a win in this one.

BTW Carew came off AFTER the equaliser!

Thought BOTH teams played their hearts out tonight, great game to watch. I thought every player did well tonight. People complaining about MON's substitutions need to use a bit of common sense. Ash picked up a knock, MON took him late (as he is our best attacker), he was always going have to bring him off, this was probably apparent to MON at half time. Before the Man City goal would have been too early for a defensive substitution, and why make a like for like substitution when Ash was still a threat and doing great work defensively with the game hanging in the balance? After city equalised the last thing you want to do is take off your best attacker. Personally I would have liked to see Albrighton come on for Ash but that would have been quite a risk (one worth taking in my opinion but this is my only complaint). Carew had run himself into the ground. He is probably the most unfit of all our players FACT so when he works like he worked tonight we were always going to have to take him off. That leaves only one substitution to play with. Also when our opponents have just equalised its not a good idea to take off striker and bring on a midfielder. So Heskey in actual fact was the logical choice. To take off Petrov would make it harder for us to keep the ball and invite pressure so that wouldn't have been a wise move. Reo for Sidwell is one hardworking player for another so no difference and Delph for either of our CM's would've weakened us defensively. If Downing was fit then we would've had a serious option off the bench. Back to Albrighton, MON really needs to take a chance and give him a proper run out as soon as possible because Ash is struggling with knocks a lot at the moment and we need to be able to lessen Ash's load a little right now.

Can someone provide some detailed info on Albrightons brief cameo.

Gabby looked unplayable at times today. Pompey's defense shat itself whenever he got the ball. Warnocks distribution is a big improvement on both Shorey's and Bouma, looks a cracking signing. Would like to see Beyeback at right back as I reckon with Beye and Warnock our build up play could be really excellent.

I am satisfied. A good solid summers business, not flat, not very good, just good enough. We have added much needed experience plus a couple of players (Delph, Downing) that have the potential to really improve the first team. We also now have fullbacks that can offer a bit in attack, which should add an extra dimension to our play. On the downside we have lost the best CM and best CH we've have had for the last 10 years. We have made a step forward all in all.

Magnificent performance. The guys were committed, worked their socks off and didn't put a foot wrong all night. Friedel - 9 - Shakey start, but settled and was excellent there-after, his save help us to win the match. Beye - 9 - Looks like a fine player indeed, excellent workrate, pace, superb distribution, in fact when he moved inside I thought he was a midfielder, he looked so assured. Cuellar - 9 - Magnificent, looked like the player we all thought we were signing last August. Davies - 9 - His best game in months, I hope he can continue this form, immense. Shorey - 7 - Solid, didn't make any mistakes, still looks limited though, hope we get Warnock. Milner - 9 - Fantastic tonight, made up for his anonymous performance against Wigan. Sidwell - 8 - Worked hard put in a real shift, but of all the midfielders was the least effective going forward. Reo-Coker - 9 - His best game in a Villa shirt. Immense tonight, best midfielder tonight, was everywhere - his passing was really good tonight, looks like he might have finally learnt to pass, protected the ball well, great in the tackle, looked like the complete midfielder tonight. Petrov - 8.5 - Same old Petrov of last season, not quite on his game against Wigan, but great today. Young - 8 - but only because he scored otherwise 7. Wasn't at his best today, but didn't get much of the ball in the final third. Great delivery for first goal. Gabby - 8 - Worked his socks off, hardly gave the ball away, it was good to see him putting balls into the box when working the channels. Villa Park against Wigan was horrible, the atmosphere in the ground was horrible. I was sick to my stomach. It wasn't the booing, it was bitching of everyone around me. As soon as Wigan scored some **** sitting behind me started bitching about Gabby when the guy got no service who-so-ever. I hope Villa park will be a better place come Thursday night. PARTY HARD (the music coming from the Villa dressing room after the game) I liked that, in MON and Rafa's interview in the background boom boom boom PARTY HARD. Nothing quite like beating the plop!

Yeah and you could easily say that we had the tough competition. On another note Young play as second striker the whole game and did quite well, I think we just saw the future, with Young as SS as well as Albrighton and Guzan.

Excellent performance from the lads. Guzan and Albrighton were fantastic all tournament. Albrighton is going to be a star, that boy continues to show more each game, I don't think I have ever been as excited over a young Villa player. If he stays grounded and injury free, this boy will be GREAT!

If we weren't winning I would have smashed my PC by now, because these officials have been nothing short of disgraceful.

Disappointed with Carew not doing what you expect from a target man in that he just keeps giving the ball away, Heskey on the other hand has been the model target man. Albrighton's delivery is top class, there is no doubt about it, he could have a very bright future ahead of him, Ashley has showed a few flashes of his class, but overall that's all that stands out. Clark's looked solid, and seems to have filled out, he might be able to do a job as back-up this season, I bloody hope so because I can't see us signing more than one CB. Lichaj is not good enough yet though. He is one kid with a hideous touch.