We had 54% possession 17 shots compared to their 8 (Of which only 4 of theirs were on target) We had 11 corners They had 19 fouls (some of which were dangerous) and six yellow cards Only one of our players were carded, unfortunately the same player twice. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14963077.stm
That first 40 minutes was ridiculously one sided, just needed the breakthrough and Villa would've got tonked today!
That's the point though Northy. We need to put these sides away when we're so on top at home. Most Prem teams are going to have a share of the game where they create some chances. Have to say I'm beginning to come round to your point of view on Betty!!
How many saves did Given have to make; surely this is a key stat? Today's match was the classic example of needing to score when your on top - otherwise you get punished. Bothroyd needs to score one like he did against us last season to get his confidence together; he could/should of had 2 or three goals by now, yet is overall play and linkup work has been excellent. Bit of a thorny problem whether to start with Campbell or not.
I'm surprised it was only 19 fouls. There are a lot of positives to take out of today. Taarabt, like at Wigan, was inches away from a world-class goal, Given made one particularly superb save in the second half, the defence looked solid even with Hall in the team, Kenny was different class on the rare occasions he was called upon etc etc. Personally I'd stick with Bothroyd as he complements the midfield better imo.
All good then... except for the ref and all those passes that went behind the player. But we do need to get some presence in the box.
This formation is better suited to away matches where we can hit teams on the counter-attack, at home Bothroyd is often isolated when teams sit back. It was noticeable that when HH came on his clever movement and link-up play immediately had us looking more threatening. I think we have to look at sacrificing Derry for the 2nd striker at home, if we can turn our superiority into goals we can then bring Derry on later in the game to bolster the defence. HH showed he still has a lot to offer...
Spot on mate. That's exactly what I said on another thread. I'm not a huge fan of 4-4-2, but it did get us back in the game yesterday. HH was fantastic when he came on and I wouldn't mind him starting anyway in a 4-2-3-1 when we're away.
Looking at the stats we have drawn at home to two of the most frugal defences in the league. Newcastle have only allowed 3 goals all season. Villa have only let in 5 all season (the same as Man United and Man City). So chances were always going to be slim. Having said that, as we all know, we created a couple of chances that we should have put away. We definitely need to see our attacking line getting in the box more to finish off; Bothroyd does a good job holding up the ball, but we need to see more of him in the box and putting those chances away. He's working hard, and once one goes in (hopefully) his confidence will grow and the goals will flow.
He's not, he keeps running out of gas in 2nd halves, he was good yesterday in our 40 minute purple patch, poncy header though when it was there to attacked.
Not sure if its a fitness thing with him,sometimes he just looks disinterested.His hold up play is good,but his pace is lacking and he seems to labour around the pitch looking shattered.I have been advocating 4-4-2 at home for ages now,it has to be the way to go,Helguson can do just as good a job as Jay,and we need DJ's predatory instincts in the box to finish off these chances!
