I thought it was a strange game in that we didn't really play well yet i always thought we were comfortable and never really looked like giving our lead away. Villa only really had the McCormack chance.
Ikeme - Didn't have a save to make but did make one good punch towards the end. Usually doesn't want to play it short but did a couple of times yesterday when it really didn't need to go there.
Coady - Thought he started pretty poorly but got better and better and was actually defended very well after the first 25 minutes. Crossing wasn't very good all game.
Batth - No idea how anyone had him anywhere near MOTM. Dawdled early on to let Gabby rob him and kicked the ball under zero pressure into touch at least twice, he also lost Gabby more than once in the box but luckily he's shit. Much better after half time though and there was nothing in his pull on McCormack, there's a massive difference between him and the other 3 centre halves imo. Was also beat in the air a few times by Gabby and that shouldn't be happening. Apparently he made 17 clearances but the problem with that is the majority of those he could play a pass but instead chooses to hoof it.
Stearman - Very good again, think he lost McCormack for the Villa chance but it was a very good cross. He didn't miss anything else though with several blocks and clearances and never really looked troubled.
Doherty - In danger of becoming a left back again. He defended well with what he had to do and again won several headers. Got forward well again in the first half and always looks like he might create something.
Price - He was very poor in the first half by his standards with some sloppy passing and failure to cover. He did improve massively in the second half though and was back doing what he does best.
Edwards - According to Spiers he was our best player which is staggering. He ran around a lot and put pressure on well at times but his inability to keep the football kills us, he definitely gave the ball away more than he kept it which you just can't have central midfielders doing.
Costa - He's so good and even when he doesn't create or score he still has a big impact on the game. Constantly stretched the pitch and always an outlet who was let down by having Dicko with him a lot of the time.
Mason - I thought he had a good game, not a natural number 10 but he linked play quite well and was in the right spot to score the goal. Worked hard when he went to the wing too and helped Doherty as Cav had.
Cav - He's still crying out for a 10 he can combine with which we still haven't given him but he like Costa gives us something even when the game isn't going his way. Worked so hard defensively and is a threat going forward but we do need to get him involved more.
Dicko - Don't get me wrong he worked so hard and ran the channels and worried their 2 centre halves but he just doesn't look like he's going to score and is now chasing the goal which is costing us goals because there was better passing option which would more than likely lead to a goal. His one great chance set up by Costa should have been taken.
SUBS
Bright - He looked so comfortable in possession and i think i've said in every game so far he has real ability but he just needs to work on his decision making in the final third and make those decisions quickly. It will come and he's got time this season to work on it. Probably should have taken the shot earlier than he did with his chance.
Saville - Won't have said this many times but he played well and was vital in the second half. He gave us everything Edwards hadn't in that he won the ball and got in good positions and then kept it simple in possession.
Bod - Should have come on much earlier than he did but what a last 15 minutes. He won flick ons, chased down defenders, held the ball up well and if we weren't sitting back so far i'm sure we would have got a second with players in support of him. Has to play next week.
It's good that we can win games now and not play very wellat all and never really look like conceding but Villa were awful. Can't help but think it would have been a different game had Kodija and Ayew been there and not McCormack and Gabby. I know Lambert said leaving out Williamson and Evans was a tough choice but both of them should be playing for me as again a few players showed that on the ball they just aren't good enough. We are getting better but i agree with Lambert in that we are miles away from where we need to be however we do have players that could help us get there that aren't playing.