JohnCresswell Posted October 6, 2007 Share Posted October 6, 2007 Aston Villa 1 West Ham Utd Saturday 6th September 2007 FA Barclays Premiership Villa Park A fantastic three points after the disappointment of Monday night. A good attacking display in the first haalf, followed by a defensive lock out in the second. With some bad refereeing thrown in. Pre Match No bets put on today - nothing really jumped out at me for being a decent price. I must admit that whilst it was important Villa got the points today I felt that West Ham might just sneak the game. The same team that started Spurs played, but Harewood did even make the bench after his madness on Monday. The Goal We are in danger of having a set piece specialist here! Craig Gardner, who spent a lot of his time slipping and sliding around the Villa Park pitch today struck a free kick which hit off a defender into the net. He hits them so hard that whatever happens it is going to be difficult to defend against. Thoughts on the performance A good attacking performance in the first half, with Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor in particular scaring Lucas Neill down the left. That's why it was so disappointing that this didn't continue in the second half, but the strong defensive display meant Villa got all three points. Young was very, very good at tmes and I must admit that I raised eyebrows when O'Neill signed him last January. However, now he is looking every bit a bargin - and he has settled in so well. Zat Knight, another O'Neill signing was very strong again after a few less triumphant appearences, and his partner Martin Laursen was my man of the match. The Ref I think this must have been Mr Tanner's first game in the Premier League. He was picky, looked under pressure and got FOUR penalty decisions wrong. That takes some doing. Zat Knight wrestled down Carlton Cole in the box, Lucas Neill tugged at Young's shirt, pushed over Agbonlahor and handled in the area. It was a lucky day for the Aussie. Where did he get four minutes injury time from? Positives A very good win, once more. The team seems to have learnt, too. The last ten minutes which controlled and dealt with sensibly. O'Neills subs, bringing on Petrov and Maloney were spot on, both settling the team at a time West Ham were beginning to get a hold of the game. Negatives Luke Moore's continued poor form is a worry. As is the people who thought that booing and jeering Stan Petrov when he came on would do any bit of good what so ever. The Opposition For all the money they have spent, West Ham fans should be very disappointed. For they are nothing. Nothing at all. Curbishly complains about injured players, but they are ageing players who have failed to reach their potential. I'd rather be Villa than West Ham, thanks. Next up for us is Manchester United. Who are they? Exactly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demitri_C Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 For all the money they have spent, West Ham fans should be very disappointed. For they are nothing. Nothing at all. Curbishly complains about injured players, but they are ageing players who have failed to reach their potential. I'd rather be Villa than West Ham, thanks. to be fair joh west ham do have alot of injuries. i wouldnt call bellamy, [parker faubert aging players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCresswell Posted October 7, 2007 Author Share Posted October 7, 2007 I don't know about Faubert, but I would say that they are players who have failed to reach their potential though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoccerHQ Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 For all the money they have spent, West Ham fans should be very disappointed. For they are nothing. Nothing at all. Curbishly complains about injured players, but they are ageing players who have failed to reach their potential. I'd rather be Villa than West Ham, thanks. to be fair joh west ham do have alot of injuries. i wouldnt call bellamy, [parker faubert aging players. Dyer and Bellamy are injury prone players and have been throughout their careers so Curbs should've known they'd miss games. Had to laugh when he said Anton Ferdinand being injured was a blow as Gabbidon is twice the defender Ferdinand will ever be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blandy Posted October 7, 2007 Moderator Share Posted October 7, 2007 I thought Luke Moore was excellent yesterday. He held the ball up, linked with the midfield and apart from missing a chance from a cross early on, was pretty faultless. He just needs a goal, he played well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 I thought Luke Moore was excellent yesterday. He held the ball up, linked with the midfield and apart from missing a chance from a cross early on, was pretty faultless. He just needs a goal, he played well. seconded. he's doing everything right IMO at the moment, except putting the ball in the back of the net. a goal might see the floodgates open for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrytini Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 Agree with all of that report - we nearly slipped too far back again in the 2nd half but Maloneys work in the last 10mins was a joy to behold, like watching a ballet ! I'll never complain about the "run it in the corner " idea again. I think I'm right in saying we've never done that successfully before in 40 years ! And if you booed Petrov coming in - you are an eejit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts