Reserverna segrade!
3-1 seger mot Charlton, hemma!
VILLA: Taylor, Albrighton (D.Bellon 76), O’Halloran, Laursen,
Ridgewell, Samuel, Gardner, Osbourne,
Berger (Stieber 76), Angel (Mcgurk 76), Williams
Avbytare: McGurk, Bevan, Lowry, D.Bellon, Stieber
Mål: Angel,McGurk, Staunton (självmål)
En stark reservelva fick igår kväll spela mot Charlton inför ett ganska öde Villa Park. Hemmalaget ställde för kvällen upp i en något ovanlig formation för vad som vanligtvis får ses. 3-4-1-2 , enligt VillaTalk. Anmärkningsvärt var tex att JLoyd Samuel fick spela som mittback i en trebackslinje ihop med Laursen och Ridgewell.
Villa var det solklart bästa laget. Resultat var helt klart smickarande för Charltons grabbar.
Spelarbetyg från VillaTalk:
Taylor (6) had very little to do: caught a cross, punched a cross, and couldn’t stop the penalty. Shouted superbly again. In fact, his shouting became a focal point for the crowd. He shouted, “time” or “out”, we shouted “time” or “out”. He was louder. We laughed like naughty kids.
Albrighton (6) struggled to make an impact from right wing back, his strength is as a crossing winger, and he struggled to marshal the whole of the right side. Worked his socks off though and always offered an outlet. Didn’t bring his shooting boots.
O’Halloran (8) the best game I’ve seen him have, wing back suits his powerful, athletic running style, took the game to the full back and was a constant threat going forward. He was solid in defence too. Still looks a little uncomfortable in possession from time to time, but he’s physically formidable.
Martin Laursen (7) Not the serene and dominant Crazy Horse we’ve seen in the last two games, but kept Kevin Lisbie quiet all night, and looked both solid and fit.
Jlloyd Samuel (8) Looked very comfortable in the centre of a three man defence, played some nice balls, cleared up nicely and generally looked very composed. In the last three reserve games he’s featured at right back, left back and centre back and while I don’t think centre half is his future, I’m hoping there is a Villa future for Jlloyd.
Liam Ridgewell (7) Aggressive display as ever from Ridgy, one or two good surges forward and an eagerness to create problems from set pieces. Put a free header from 5 yards out straight at the keeper late on and let his temper get the better of him at the end.
Craig Gardner (8) Left bruises all over the Charlton midfield, covered every blade of grass, won the ball well and moved it around sensibly. A very good all round midfield display, spoilt only slightly by the fact that with better finishing he might have had four goals.
Isiah Osbourne (8) Worked his socks off and got stronger as others tired. His runs through the Charlton midfield late on were an indicator of his strength. Looks awkward but by God he’s effective.
Juan Pablo Angel (7) Worked hard, couldn’t really get the one touch stuff that he’s good at going in this weather with Williams. The ball only really fell to him once and he put it away. A decent display and a goal should give him something to smile about on tomorrow’s flight.
Sam Williams (6) willing and with a huge heart, but up front with Angel and Berger his lack of quality showed. Seems a little slow, but has a great attitude.
Patrik Berger (7) Like Laursen, good without being a different class, excellent use of the ball as ever and good running down the flanks meant that he was always a thorn in their side, and his work rate deserves a mention too.
Subs
Steiber, McGurk and Bellon: I’m lumping them together because they performed in much the same way. Neat, tidy footballers full of running with excellent control and good vision. McGurk took his goal nicely, Steiber looked creative and dangerous. These three will make next year’s reserves team worth watching.
