wouldn't be a bad idea to swap Defoe and Bobby at HT Bobby could get a much needed goal from open play Defoe could play vs Chelsea as I think at this moment in time he is offering more.
I think if a few big names had played that lob pass there'd be 'genius' plaudits dribbling from every pundit.
Well it's a well deserved lead. Defoe should've scored his earlier chance and so should Lamela whilst Kane could've done better too. Superb assist from Holtby though. Lamela and Sandro have surely got to start against Chelsea, they've been faultless so far and Holtby had some great moments too. One thing I particularly enjoyed was seeing Defoe get around the pitch, he's going to be hard pushed getting a starting spot ahead of Soldado so it's a good idea to see if he could fit in on the left flank where no one's really made it their own.
Got to say Holtby hasn't gotten too much love, for the veritable plethora of brilliant assists this year. Playing further back, he's not big, strong, fast or able to tackle well, all huff and puff. But at #10--well, he's a natural #10. He's just been outstanding. I think that's his third assist to Defoe alone.
Our shape's been poor, some of our players have looked like fish out of water (Fryers, Chiriches), we've fluffed a few chances, but we have to be happy to be 1-0 up at HT. Need to sort a few things out at the break. Our left side looks messy and I'm not convinced at the Kane-Defoe rotation thing that's going on.
I definitely think Defoe to start v Chelsea. While he is scoring then he should start. What's the point in creating competition for places otherwise?
Sandro is such a great talent, easy for short sighted fans to forget how superb he is but definitely agree, he has to start, as does Lamela and Defoe also in with a shout.
The Beeb have already described it as "majestic" and "Barcelona-like". I always felt Holtby and Eriksen would be a good rivalry for the number 10 spot, if they keep performing like they have so far we'll have to start finding room for the both of them.
I think that Sandro's looked short of sharpness, to be honest. It's understandable and he's making good decisions most of the time, but he's not 100%. I don't think that he should start against Chelsea.
Being Paul Gascoigne is on ITV at 9pm for those bored with COC, or for those not bored, record it, for those who cannot record ...tough ****.
Great to see Holtby making his mark - both in late cameo and now from the start. Looks a really impressive prospect. Lamela taking a while to bed in - probably to be expected - but slightly concerned about his rather 'pouting' stance. Hoping he is not going to be a prima donna: the success of this side is going to hinge on teamwork. But looking good so far. What I really like is the fact that no-one wants to give the ball up.... they all look so strong and comfortable with it - and the cohesion that they are showing so early in the season is brilliant.
Sandro would be a great sub to have for Dembele or Paulinho, especially if we are defending the 2-1 lead I predict ps Lots of love for Holtby as no10. I hate seeing him wasted on the wings
"Jermain Defoe could have scored six. Villa's goalkeeper has made three great saves. Erik Lamela looks good. Spurs are the better team by a mile." - Ex-Villa striker Dean Saunders. Really? I think we've edged it, dominating meaningful possession, but looking edgy at the back and lacking a little creativity up top and flow through the middle. The host of changes, players lacking fitness and adjusting to a new team and new league make a lot of that inevitable, though.
I agree PNP we have such riches in depth now we can afford to let players become fully ready before pushing them in to the midst of the league. Sandro is growing with every game.
With the size of our squad I'm glad we are taking this cup seriously. Fitness permitting we can put out 2 very strong 11's so more games takes away a lot of the headaches for AVB.
Holtby has so far only performed well against weak teams, in the cup games so I would hold off putting him forward for the league as I expect if he faced Chelsea or similar quality, he would get labelled as being out of his depth but hes definitely improving and should be used from the bench.
"Commentary resumes in 10 seconds", according to my feed! Someone turned the mic live early. No unfortunate slips. Two changes for Villa. Hellenius is a big forward, IIRC. No idea about Bowery.
