Habib Beye turned in another very good performance as the Mags turned over a slightly below par Villa. Danny Guthrie was unfortunate to make way for the returning Nicky Butt. Butt however graced the game with a Robert like free kick and a wild left footed volley into the Gallowgate.
With Barton's actions under the media microscope, Joey was perhaps naive to think that he could get away with a studs up tackle and a flick of Agbonlahor's pet lip. Barton though gave Friedel the only real test of the first half with a grass-cutter coming at the end of a good Newcastle move.
The defence stood firm with Jose Enrique playing well against former Mag Milner. Beye's first half booking for throwing the ball away was needless but the Senegalese managed to steel himself for a solid performance, full of attacking runs and last ditch penalty area tackles. Even with a below par Jonas in front of him, Beye was relatively un-troubled by England hopeful Ashley Young.
It was Martins and Duff providing the most penetration with the latter close to his best. Oba was the biggest threat as his 2 goals prove. Agbonlahor could do worse than look at Martins on this form if he wants to understand how a quick, small forward can run a big centre half ragged... Laursen did well against Shola (in fact it was quite a battle) but Martins was a different proposition and the big Dane never got close, especially for Oba's first goal. On this form (3 in 2) Owen should struggle to get back into the team. If Shola 'Fashnu' Ameobi keeps up this form, then it is surely a case of who plays with the blunt instrument. A wonderful headache to finally have.
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Habib Beye Watch - Aston Villa
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2 comments:
Observations:
I thought Shola was excellent all game, he really has learned how to head a ball and against one of the best aerial defenders in the league.
I also thought Jonas was excellent. They stifled a lot of his attacking play for the first hour, but he didn't let that stop him from a) working hard and defending for the team and b) keep trying to break them down, first swapping wings and then waiting for them to inevitably run out of steam.
Also a lot of credit has to go to Joe Kinnear. Yes they had a few chances first half, but given only had to make one save all game. We showed that we had learned not to sit on a one or two goal lead and he didn't make needless substitutions just because he felt he had to i.e. to get Owen back on.
I can't agree about Jonas, but you were there so I respect your views. On TV at least, Jonas lacked penetration (until the 85th minute) and worked tirelessly. I don't think that constitutes an excellent game. Shola on the other hand held the ball up, ruffled a few feathers and generally was a lot closer to Oba (or Oba got closer to him). Either way, it looked like a partnership. Sir Les commented that he didn't see a goal threat from Shola. If he fixes that then we've got a player...finally!
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