Newcastle United vs Aston Villa match verdict from the terraces

Posted by: Clarky · November 3, 2008

The classic game of two halves. The 1st half was fairly even, with Villa perhaps having the better chances. The Toon seemed rather tentative and nervy, and everything seemed just a little bit off – our passing tacling, marking, anticipation and support for the man in possession.

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I actually got the impression of a team that had perhaps spent a little too much time planning for what the opposition might do, and then finding it difficult to get their own game going.

Second half was much better, and we served up a very good team performance. We closed them down quicker, defended a little higher up the pitch and moved the ball quicker.

The passing and movement were vastly better, and eventually, with confidence flooding back, we established almost total control in midfield – the very first time I’ve been able to say that all season.

Once again Shola had an excellent game, in fact I thought he was a bit of a revelation tonight. Winning lots of ball in the air, holding it up intelligently and using it competently on the deck. While taking a battering without any protection from the ever hapless Steve Bennett, he looked a very decent CF tonight. Martins buzzed around, unsettling their defence and took both his goals well.

Nicky Butt had another excellent game. He sat a little deeper in the 2nd half – his best role imho – and screened the back 4 to very good effect.

Another performance that affords some hope that we can still survive the current corporate shambles. Another three valuable points, and hopefully the beginning of a little run.

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This entry was posted on Monday, November 3rd, 2008 at 9:12 pm and is filed under Newcastle United, Toon Army Views. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed, or trackback from your own site.

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