Bergen Blade
Well-Known Member
We played very well against Aston Villa. We were well organised and hard working defensively, and our counter attacking was better than in a long time.
Plenty of players have been rightly praised for their individual performances, but we need to thank our organisation and attitude for putting our players in situations where they were able to do well and look good. Our players kept such a solid shape that if a Villa player was able to get past one of ours, he would get tackled by the next one. As they looked to find it beneath them to chase after us, our players actually looked to have more time on the ball than they do in normal League One fixtures.
Villa were dreadful, looking like they had been set up by David Weir as they looked to pass the ball sideways and backwards while also being too cool to move around. They looked like they didn't want to be on the pitch, let alone fight for every loose ball. While we raised our game, they definitely lowered their's.
Realising they were in trouble, they became a bit more direct second half and started chasing a bit more. But they often chased individually and rashly, meaning even the likes of McMahon, Doyle and Flynn could sidestep them.
I expect Notts County, under Derry, to be different. They won't be as good technically, but they will probably be up for it and better prepared. Like us they seem to be in the process of improving. Although the players impressed against Premiership opposition they shouldn't expect an easy game against County.
Plenty of players have been rightly praised for their individual performances, but we need to thank our organisation and attitude for putting our players in situations where they were able to do well and look good. Our players kept such a solid shape that if a Villa player was able to get past one of ours, he would get tackled by the next one. As they looked to find it beneath them to chase after us, our players actually looked to have more time on the ball than they do in normal League One fixtures.
Villa were dreadful, looking like they had been set up by David Weir as they looked to pass the ball sideways and backwards while also being too cool to move around. They looked like they didn't want to be on the pitch, let alone fight for every loose ball. While we raised our game, they definitely lowered their's.
Realising they were in trouble, they became a bit more direct second half and started chasing a bit more. But they often chased individually and rashly, meaning even the likes of McMahon, Doyle and Flynn could sidestep them.
I expect Notts County, under Derry, to be different. They won't be as good technically, but they will probably be up for it and better prepared. Like us they seem to be in the process of improving. Although the players impressed against Premiership opposition they shouldn't expect an easy game against County.
