Ratings & Reactions: Villa v Man City

[nick76]

I think this performance impressed more than the wins.  

We won the second half, could’ve nicked a draw overall

Heads never dropped

Gerrard made some really nice tactical changes in game.

Nobody I was disappointed with

Impressed with the overall play apart from twatting about too much from playing out from the back sometimes

Man City are so good, so to feel the above thoughts I’m very proud despite the result.

Think I might like this Gerrard bloke.

Grealish is still a snake

 

[romavillan]

First game playing Gerrard/Beale's system. Looks great to me, With Bailey and Traore fit we would have a number of players for the two number 10 positions in the 4-3-2-1. Different combinations could go more flair and attacking or possession and more conservative. Buendia, Bailey, Traore, Chuck, Young, Ings, Ramsey....

If we can get a run of games with enough of our best XI fit in this shape we'll get even better but against one of the best teams in world football we played great football at times, draw perhaps would have been a fairer 

[Talldarkandransome]

1 minute ago, AntrimBlack said:

Understandable. He was with us from he was six.

Yep, but it was his decision to leave. He's now having to fight for his place which maybe he's struggling with and still finding his feet. Not our problem anymore 

[Davkaus]

Just now, nick76 said:

 

Think I might like this Gerrard bloke.

 

 

I'm more impressed with the turnaround at half time than I am the previous wins tbh. Very encouraging. I expected more of the same and threw in the towel at half time until I heard Chuk came on, glad the players had more fighting spirit than I did  

[Chine]

Some great performances all round but Watkins for me stood out , he looked like the one we have been raving about , we were superb as a team tbh , citeh were so strong tonight but they didn’t let us just get back into the game by taking there foot off the gas we forced ourselves into it ! Well done!! UTV !!!

[Talldarkandransome]

After watching the chances again for both sides we were actually unlucky. We prob had the better ones

[ciggiesnbeer]

Glad we survived that first half onslaught. It could have destroyed our goal difference.

No respect to Man City. Contemptible little club , manager and players

[AVFCDAN]

1 minute ago, Davkaus said:

I'm more impressed with the turnaround at half time than I am the previous wins tbh. Very encouraging. I expected more of the same and threw in the towel at half time until I heard Chuk came on, glad the players had more fighting spirit than I did  

Whether you were a Smith fan or not almost anyone could see that his subs and reacting later in games to what the other team was doing was 100% his biggest weakness, if we can improve on that I’ll be much happier.

[Chine]

We also did really well with 2 forced changes ,adapted quickly 

[kevpants]

I remember us beating oil era City. But I don’t remember us ever pinning them back and having them rattled. 
 

[villalad21]

I feel so bad for them.

They had to put out such a bad side.

 

[Beastmix]

Luiz was, hands down, our best player tonight. More of that on the weekend, please.

[Kuwabatake Sanjuro]

One little thing I really liked today was the restart of the second half where the ball wasn't hoofed aimlessly up the pitch to give City possession back right away.

[chappy]

Missed first 20 mins as my train was delayed. Sounds like I missed City’s best period. Their first goal I have to say that maybe Emi could’ve done better? Second was a wonderstrike by one of their ‘emergency’ starters.

Whatever SG said at half time worked a treat. We were excellent second half and potentially deserved to nick an equaliser. Chukwuemeka chance was golden, good save by Ederson though. Couldn’t tell if the Konsa one should’ve been a pen or not but no surprise Kevin Friend didn’t think so.

Watkins, Young, Cash, Nakamba all good. Voted Dougie MOTM, loved seeing him with the shackles off in a more attacking role.

I didn’t clap or boo Grealish but thought the “Villa til I die” chant was perfect for his entry to the field. Loudest I’ve heard that song in a long time. City looked rattled in the second half so hope we take some confidence into Sunday against a Leicester team who can definitely be got at.

UTV

[CLARETANDBLUEFOXY]

14 minutes ago, villalad21 said:

I feel so bad for them.

They had to put out such a bad side.

 

Pathetic football club. 

[The_Steve]

15 minutes ago, villalad21 said:

I feel so bad for them.

They had to put out such a bad side.

 

They a revolting lot. That squad alone cost £400m in transfer fees. Just wish they buggered off to the ESL. 

[Peter Griffin]

Great to see such positivity on here following a loss

[The_Steve]

A braver ref would have booked more City players for the sheer volume of fouls they did and also got away with 

[sidcow]

Well we gave it a real good go in the second half. Suprised Ashley Young hasn't got more MOTM nominations, he completely changed the complexion of the game for me. 

We could have snatched something, hell we deserved to snatch something, I still can't believe the keeper saved that from Chuck. 

So proud of all the lads, nearly but not quite. 

Villa till I die. 

[rbcuk]

Much better 2nd half, these goal kicks need to stop could have easier conceded a couple from them