Ratings & Reactions: FAC3: Middlesbrough v Villa

[foreveryoung]

1 minute ago, rjw63 said:

Just saw penalty shout on Moreno. Definitely a pen. 
And RIGHT in front of that useless phallus of a ref

This is why we have VAR 

[djdabush]

Highlights what I think we all knew, that we struggle against low blocks and defensively disciplined teams. Not sure what the ultimate solution is but plenty of teams will be setting up in a similar way in the future.

[bcarpet]

In all honesty we've dominated that game, their keeper has pulled off a cracking save from brave arse, we should have had a pen, we've hit the post and Emi hasn't really had a save to make.

Onto the next round!

[KentVillan]

12 minutes ago, holteend1982 said:

Nice to win but shows how much we struggle v a low block. Need to do better as we will be seeing it a lot more often 

Agree, this continues to be a problem, and we lack the personnel to do anything about it atm. Watkins, Duran, Bailey, Diaby are all attackers who want a bit of space to work with. Maybe Zaniolo or Luiz can do something interesting, but we really lack that elite technical quality that sides like Man City and Arsenal can call upon.

Having said that, I thought we earned this result without getting out of 4th gear, and came close several times before the goal went in.

Was a solid performance, just lacked a bit of sparkle.

[Jonesy7211]

I think Tielemans came into the team when teams started playing the low block against us. We missed him tonight, he's one of the players we have that can still create in those conditions, and bring our forwards into the game more.

Onwards and upwards at least. Happy to be through. Utd away next round?

Edited January 6 by Jonesy7211

[Jonesy7211]

Just now, Jonesy7211 said:

.

 

Edited January 6 by Jonesy7211

[Jas10]

 

[The_Rev]

17 minutes ago, sidcow said:

Anyone know what happens next now we've won an FA Cup game? 

We get drawn away at Old Trafford in the next round. 

[Villa87]

Struggled there, but credit to the players for grinding out a win. Ref was absolute dross. 

[Mark Albrighton]

11 minutes ago, maqroll said:

Pfft, I thought we might see Stewart Downing today, the clearing in the woods

He’s on the BBC with Micah.

[Lerner's Driver]

That's United-esque. Shit, not creative enough and still winning. UTFV! X

[jimmygreaves]

6 minutes ago, djdabush said:

Highlights what I think we all knew, that we struggle against low blocks and defensively disciplined teams. Not sure what the ultimate solution is but plenty of teams will be setting up in a similar way in the future.

All teams struggle against the low block. That's why it exists as a tactic. Borough parked the bus yet we still found a way. 

[El Segundo]

I didn't think we were that bad, we increased the tempo second half and created a fair few chances.  We were unlucky with the one that hit the post, the ref got the penalty call badly wrong and Moreno and Diaby missed fairly easy chances.  The bit of luck in the end made up for that.   Boro are a decent team with a good coach and no pushover.   Not just the ref but the linesman nearside did not seem to know what a foul is.  Bloody awful.  Tielemans and Buendia are players we miss against low blocks.

Edited January 6 by El Segundo

[striker]

After 8 consecutive defeats in the F.A. Cup it’s nice to see Villa through to the fourth round.

Can’t really vote on MOTM as no one really stood out in a horrible game. However, did note Ramsey is a yard short of pace since his injury but hopefully that will come back when match fit?

Further noted over several games that if Villa’s wide men aren’t firing then there is very little creativity through the middle to help break down a block. Neither McGinn, Luiz, Donck, or Kamara are playmakers so Villa will always find it hard to break sitting teams down. May be something the manager will look at now or in the summer. For me midfield is just too similar! Definitely need Tielemans in there for a better balance!

Villa should have had a pen though. 

Edited January 6 by striker

[clayton8321]

Whatever. Great teams have forgetful games too but the idea is to get the result anyway possible and move on. Next!

 

[Beastmix]

BBC not even bothering to interview Unai. Pricks.

[Marka Ragnos]

Yes, we won, that's great, but very worrying performance. The word is out on how to stop Villa. It won't just be weaker teams to do this. It will be exploited by strong teams against us, too. We need to close down this window lessee opposition are using. 

Edited January 6 by Marka Ragnos

[sidcow]

I'm shocked at the disrespect shown for the competition in the match thread. Sign of the times I guess.

I'd crawl over broken glass to see Villa win this trophy and when I'm on my death bed I'll look back on that moment, not finishing 3rd and getting a season or 2 in The Champions League.

Don't bother responding with the Champions League gives us more chance of winning something. I want so see us win The FA Cup, not win an option of maybe winning something. You'll never convince me otherwise.

Maybe it's my age, but The FA Cup remains central to my psyche of Villa glory. 

Edited January 6 by sidcow

[OutByEaster?]

I don't care, I will never watch it again.

We are in the hat for the first time since David Cameron was Prime Minister.

 

[Jas10]

12 minutes ago, Marka Ragnos said:

Yes, we won, that's great, but very worrying performance. The word is out on how to stop Villa. It won't just be weaker teams to do it. It will be exploited by strong teams against us, too. We'd close to close up this window of opportunity. 

Worth taking into account the players we have had missing… let’s not forget that performance against Man City…we managed to beat Arsenal too…

Missing creative players like Tielemans (who looked so much better once moved into an attacking position/role), Kamara suspended for 3 games - hindering Luiz’s and McGinn’s attacking and creative edge…

Missing Pau who basically transforms us…

When we have most players back fit and available (and in form, Moreno & Ramsey are working their way back)… we will be superb again…

Our players cannot hit peak performance levels in too many continual games and many of our reserves/backups are not really at a comparable level so the drop off can be fairly severe… we need a few better alternatives so that we can afford to rest them occasionally and stop having to play them so much and relying on them to the degree that we have been (usually resorting to bringing Luiz on and continually playing McGinn when the intention is/would be to give them a break, for example).

I would like to see a couple of signings to give us a welcome boost and help us continue our momentum and progress through to the end of the season though…

But we have players that need to rediscover and find form too… such as Diaby!

Edited January 6 by Jas10