7 goals, 7 different scorers. Record apparently. The only downside for me was Piazon missing the penalty. Gutted for him, it was a really good cameo performance and he deserved a goal. Without Guzan it would have been double figures. I still think Lambert has done a good job with a young Villa side and hopefully there will be a backlash for Spurs who they play next. Enough about them anyway it was a good job and Benitez got the team selection/rotation right. Azpilicueta seems a stunning find, I think that he might finally be the right back we've been looking for since Petrescu. We can't get carried away though, it's only 3 points but hopefully it should inspire confidence and silence the critics that have been baying for our blood since the half time whistle at Leeds. Very good week and we go 2 points clear of the the North London clubs now, hopefully we can get at least 4 points from Norwich and Everton away. If that happens I can't see Arsenal or Spurs being in a position to catch us given their January fixtures.
luiz looked good again and it was nice to see torres get the first goal, i honestly think that the team are behind rafa
So happy with that performance. Everything worked. All round brilliant display, and Piazon (despite missing the peno, which was well saved tbf), looked very very promising. Best youngster we've had in years. What was also pleasing is that the poorer performances of Moses and Ramires in Japan seemed long lost memories. All we need now is for Mata to have a rest (I think he is still slightly off the boil) and we're in business.
Fantastic result which takes us back to 3rd and equaling the highest goal difference in the league with the top two and still with a game in hand. Nearly 8 different scorers. Piazon could have had a debut goal so unfortunate for him. For as good as we were today, Villa were every bit as shocking. Speaks volumes when their goalkeeper, Guzan, was perhaps their best player despite having conceded eight goals. Had it been someone like De Gea in goal it would probably have been 12-0. Though credit to us for exploiting all their weaknesses and being so clinical. That Torres goal was one of the best he's scored for us and certainly his best header. That was the Torres of old. Cannot get carried away though, hopefully we saved a few goals for Norwich and Everton. Let's get through the Christmas period unscathed and thing will look a little bit brighter.
A superb win.... If we get 6 points against Norwich and Everton we may have a chance... add to that a couple of January signings...
Albert-do you sell proper traditional chip shop vinegar? I'm finding it very hard to get the stuff these days!
It's a shame the referee robbed you in the home game with Man United (where you were by far the better team), otherwise you'd be able to move within 2 points of them with victory in your game-in-hand. Nevertheless, a great performance today and, bizarre as it sounds after an 8-0 win, unlucky to find the opposing keeper in such fine form.
Just watched it back on MOTD 2... we really were brilliant today... lets keep it up! It could have been 11 or 12-0 today! And good to see Piazon playing well.. hats off to Rafa there
In the long haul I can't see it but I see no reason why we can't beat Norwich, a depleted Everton side and a beleaguered QPR side. 3 very winnable games before FA Cup day.
I'll take 4 points form next two, phenomenal performance today and the old 'we could've put more past them' is a cliche but today it was the truth. Saw some Villa lads on the train on the way home, they were gutted
Strengthen the striker position in the window and you guys have a great chance. Yes things will have to go well but 1 or 2 quality strikers, perhaps a Falcao and another and no reason why not. The downside is the 2 games against the Manchester clubs to come are both away so slight disadvantage there. I confess my preference at the start of the season being realistic was for City to win it, now you have Rafa I can't wish the guy ill so I am on your side, of course assuming Liverpool and Arsenal cannot win it!
A very classy performance from the entire team today. Was both amazed and pleased to see how well Lampard and Luiz went together, who would ever have picked that !!! Azpi was a rock, Brana looked sharp, Cole back on the case, Cahill up for it. All the front men simply terrific, and praise for Torres. Piazon can pass like a veteran. With Mikel, Luiz, in form Lampard, , one more midfielder will give us extraordinary flexibility, and allow Ramires to return to the attack, allowing Mata, etc to rest occasionally. Brilliant work by all, even ( gulp........) Benitez.
Must admit, it was a very impressive performance alround, makes our 5-1 drubbing look not too bad now, but on that form you can turn anyone over, plus it looks as though the Spanish Waiter has got Torres back in the groove, hope you go to the "Theatre of ****e" and turn them over, good luck
