Luke Moore replaced the still to convince me Stiliyan Petrov at half time and the game completely changed. Shaun Maloney replaced the injured Wilfred Bouma with ten minutes to go and he won it for us today.

It wasn't the best first half of football I've ever seen but the second half was much better and we really could have had loads today.

Martin Laursen made the error that gifted Fulham a goal in the first half and he nearly gave them a second for the exact same mistake, diving in and not winning the ball, at the beginning of the second half only for the post to save him.

At half time Martin O'Neill complained to the referee about how much time was added on and had to spend the second half of the match in the stand. He didn't look happy but it worked.

Luke Moore is my man of the match; everything changed with him on, from his first touch of the ball which he used to create a chance and was unlucky not to score, right to the end where he pulled a defender away from Maloney to allow the Scot to score.

I said last week that Ashley Young is still to convince me but today he's moved in the right direction; he was excellent on the wing in the second half.

Petrov, I'm afraid is going in the wrong direction and he's starting to look like a waste of money. Subbed at half time, not because he was injured but because he was missing.

Maloney and Moore surely have to start now. Gabby can take a break along with Petrov and hopefully Gardner will be able to play in midfield for the next league match, which will be in September, when we should have Bosingwa signed.

I'm sure there will be a report from Doc later, but the final score, in case you didn't know was Aston Villa 2, Fulham 1.

Comments (51)

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The Cas said:

do you fancy luke moore damian?? he wasnt that good you clown stop looking through your claret and blue lukey glasses u puff!!

August 25, 2007

Damian said:

well you must have watched a different game to me The Cas in the the second half luke basically changed the game. what game did you watch? by the way, what is a puff?

August 25, 2007 | url

ViLLaN said:

I agree with damian, Luke was class, Maloney was excellent, Petrov wouldnt get in my pub team at the moment. Maloney and Moore need to start instead of Carew and Gabby and Gardner in place of Petrov

August 25, 2007 | url

Irish_villain said:

i saw the game delayed by ten mins so it's just ended. I thought in the 1st half we were woeful until near the end, we were lucky it wasnt 2-0 with fulham not getting a penalty decision in their favour. The second half was much better, although carew's finishing really worried me with Gabby and Young's finishing not looking too hot either. Our shot's off and on target ratio was terrible. Young was brilliant for me today (apart from his finsishing, but it took Ronaldo a while to work on that too) really showing his quality. Moore looked good when he came on with some great touches and passes. Petrov looked to me out of his depth totally, im begiinning to worry about him..... Good result for us, good points are Young and Moore looked great Bad points, our finishing is terrible and Petrov is looking more and more an ineffective player Maybe we'll have a few more players to choose from against Chelsea? Let's hope so.

August 25, 2007

ViLLaN said:

Oh, and Laursen I thought looked the shakiest I've seen him. None of our players were at the races in the first half

August 25, 2007 | url

Irish_villain said:

Yeah Laursen was dodgy, however, i think Reo-Coker actually had a good game today, he's starting to look commanding. Anyone agree?

August 25, 2007

p blacker said:

how did GARETH BARRY play.What acredit he is to the club. The youngsters are doing well as far as i can see.From what i hear and see on tv and radio LUKE MOORE deserves a good run in the side.Wish i could see them live.come on the villa[[

August 25, 2007 | url

Damian said:

Barry played okay (got man of the match). Good game .. not really much else to say about Barry.

August 25, 2007 | url

MidasWhite said:

Luke Moore changed the game without a shadow of a doubt. Carew got in good positions, but was wasteful. Petrov was just a pile of old balls, again, and needs to vanish fast. Young was fantastic and Agbonlahor is the new Vassell, blessed with pace but brain dead, he'll probably go the same way as Darren Byfield, lower league fodder. Up the Villa.

August 25, 2007

Damian said:

at MidasWhite spot on about gabby .. i think he needs a little break.

August 25, 2007 | url

Woodinho said:

I found myself singing the tune about the scarecrow from the wizard of oz whenever Gabby got the ball... you know the one "if he only had a brain", but three points, great second half, petrov off for 45 - maloney and moore on and we dominate! says it all really! Young was my MOM!

August 25, 2007

jaf said:

Good game, Carew was wasteful. We could have had 4 or 5, moore was great barry also, he never gives the ball away. Petrov was crap thank god MON took him off..! If we are to get people in next week, one of them has to be a creative midfielder instead of Defoe. I thought Lausen was ok, just a bit of a mix up with Mellberg for there goal.

August 25, 2007

Irish_villain said:

True about Gabby, but i think if anyone could improve him it's MON

August 25, 2007

SuperSeanUK said:

Yeah, we need a creative midfielde to replace Petrov, but what's wrong with playing Maloney in that role? Then there's Berger when he's fit, and Gardner when we get a right back (not exactly 'flair' but he has a good pass on him). Still, 3 points on the board and we're creating plenty of chances!

August 25, 2007

Si said:

My analysis would be: Another average performance from Gabby, maybe a spell on the bench will s**t him up. I've said it before and I'll say it again - Petrov can go back to the tin pot league he came from. Why the hell isn't Luke Moore starting - if we don't start playing him in the starting 11 he'll do the off. Carew was wasteful I agree, but he shook up the Fulham defense today and he'll keep doing it. Give him time and he'll be a Spartan for us this season. Marlon Hair-brain had more pace than Carew did when he came on. I can start to see why we bought him and believe he will be a good solid bench player to bring on in the last 15-20 minutes when the opposing defence is getting tired. Barry was the ever solid skipper. Bring on Chelsea, by then we'll have Defoe up front.

August 25, 2007

Abz said:

I'm a big fan of Petrov from his Celtic days but I'm afraid he's just not doing it at the moment. O'Neill has to drop him for a few games just to give him a kick up the arse and wake him up! Surely now is the time to give Maloney a chance to prove himself, and why not. Our main concern has to be a lack of cutting edge up front, all these chances have to be out away or it'll cost us. I'd say we need at 2-3 signings this week, but the way things are going we may end up with nobody! Anyone agree?

August 25, 2007

Woodinho said:

God it's nice to see some positive comments on here, it's been a while!!!! Did anyone else notice the fact that NRC did not stop running all game, what an engine, he looked the real deal to me today alongside barry. And what a save by Carson... Thomas who?

August 25, 2007

Woodinho said:

At Abz: No

August 25, 2007

Si said:

We'll make some signings this week. At the end of the day there are teams who want to sell players and are asking the earth for them now, but come the end of the transfer window they will want them off the wage books and we'll gab them at a 'fair' price. OK, we didn't get those players earlier, and it may have cost us a couple of points from the opening games but so what, we were never going to beat Liverpool. Well don MON for holding your nerve.

August 25, 2007

I HATE BLUES said:

From what ive been told Defoe is as good as a villa player,numerous sightings of him in the area ,or im just gulable

August 25, 2007

Holte-Ender said:

First half we ws sh*t, nobody apart from ashley young ws even trying, John Carew wasnt even on this planet, if it was my way he wudnt start a game again for at least 2 weeks, Ashley young the second half ws Fantastic, luke moore luked impressive, hope he starts next game in stead of Carew, UTV!!!!

August 25, 2007 | url

kayarcee said:

So with defoe, is Martin going to a 4-2-4? Because we've got way too many guys that need to be starting that are forwards: Luke Carew Maloney Young Gabby add DeFoe to that? geez.

August 25, 2007

jedi said:

I stayed behind with my girls after the game today and waited on O'neill to come out when asked about signings he wouldnt go into details about players but said he thought he would have who he wanted by the end of the week, some young lads pushed him about Defoe he didnt comment either way but smiled, my gut instinct was there might be something in it. Also one of the young lads who was there said to MON that he thought we need an anthem ( i.e you'll never walk alone ), Martin agreed strongly, quite passionatly actually and then as he turned around and walked to his car he said to the few of us that were there yes, yes we do need an anthem. I like the idea of this can we set up some voting or debating about it and maybe get the ball rolling.

August 25, 2007

twoshoes said:

1st timer comments supersean uk is the first person who has stated the obvious flaw with the team at the moment. all the players we have got (maybe except a 20 ayear goalscorer are great in there respective positions, the player we have missed for so many seasons is a creative midfield player, someone who can put his foot on the ball always has plenty of time and can put that killer ball hrough for one of his forward players to score a comfortable/easy goal. yes we need to increase the squad but this team could win the league if we had someone to "be creative". if he could score a few goals himself that would be even better e.g. arteta, davids in his prime. any other suggestions?

August 25, 2007

TimC said:

twoshoes. I agre about a creative player and id love us to sign Arteta. I think Craig Gardener could do the job have you seen some of his passing long balls and crossing also he can score goals. Luke Moore has gotta start next game, that was a strikers finish by him shame it was dis-allowed, he can be our main striker if he is given a chance.I think Mon is working with him as he is holding the ball up well (the next Henry maybe?)I think so!

August 25, 2007

Tone said:

two shoes i agree we need a creative midfielder as we say but we still 100% need a striker. Today the 2nd half was so encouraging attacking wise but proved we need someone to put the ball in the net. some of our strikers may have potential and pace but none of them even carew have a better record over there career than 1 in 4 games and some worse. thats 9 a season. not good enough at all. defoe even tho some of u may not rate him would of bagged a couple with the chances today. He is a far more clinical finisher. sign him up MON even if it costs 15 million

August 25, 2007

claretandbluevilla said:

great game for villa. lacked in defence for there goal but overall we played well both moore's and barry's goals should of been accpeted but the ref was rubbish

August 25, 2007

bwykes_771 said:

luke is a natural footballer unlike gabby i respect your opinion damien but my m.o.m was young 8 out of 10 1st half but 2nd nearer 10.reo coker got better as match went on as well.lets hope for some quality signings in next 6 days and theres cause for optimism for this and next few seasons

August 25, 2007

Badger said:

What a bunch of lightweights. We're brilliant, having won a game What happens when we lose one? Come on, you true supporters.

August 25, 2007

Rossa said:

I really think Moore should start up front instead of Gabby, much more of a threat in front of goal. And Gabby or Maloney should be on the right wing intead of Petrov! Would work a lot better

August 25, 2007

martygra808 said:

i got a bad feeling this year

August 26, 2007

merlin1 said:

We were much better than Fulham on the day overall, created a lot of chances (especially when LM came on) and i'm happy with the win but feel if we were playing anyone better than Fulham we could have struggled cos we look weak at the back. We still need a RB a CB and a creative midfielder at the very least before the window closes. If MON is telling the truth this week could be very interesting!

August 26, 2007

Mick said:

According to www.tuttomercatoweb.com (italian transfer market website)Villa have offered 10.3m euro for Mertesacker. However the player's contracted until 2010 and - again according to this same website - Werder Bremen will not accept the offer...

August 26, 2007

Top_6_Villa said:

anyone heard that Sven has pulled a magic trick... looks like he's managed a year loan from Inter Milan which is going to see ADRIANO heading for man city... id kill for a striker like that

August 26, 2007

walshy said:

reo coker was m.o.m in the 1st half!but in the second asheley young was different class!every timehe got the ball the hold ground got excited!luke moore was quality aswell! but when young gets the ball he knows what he is going to do unlike gabby who just runs!

August 26, 2007

Chrisodon said:

I Was quite surprised this morning when i was looking around the web too see Villa haven't got a single bit of speculation anywhere! it seems the press are fed up speculating about Villa or we've got the players we want and we're waiting till the weekend passes to release the information *clings to hope* I'll be watching Man Utd V Spurs to see if defoe appears in the match or not. if he doesn't lets hope he's on his way here

August 26, 2007

Chrisodon said:

Also with only 5 days (6 if you count today) left of the transfer window who would you's like to see come to Villa? I'd like too see Villa sign RB Bosingwa & Rosenior* CB Mertersacker & Davies CM Van der varrt (sorry petrov) lol ST Defoe

August 26, 2007

dorsetvillan said:

I too am concerned over the lack of transfer activity but if we don't sign anyone else thanks Mr O'Neil for signing Ashley Young. Only saw highlights on TV but was enough to see the lad's potential. Two great feet, pace, balance and vision -wonderful pass for Maloney goal. Eight million? Must be worth 12 already. Back the players, don't knock 'em - confidence is everything

August 26, 2007

alwaysvilla said:

was at game yesterday young was class,moore up front with carew and put gabby on wing we look alot more balanced , our defence needs to tighten up but carson made a magnificent save.Just have to say NRC did not stop running or talking all game you could hear him above anyone else cud be a masterstroke by MON

August 26, 2007

J-Raiye 14 said:

Although we managed to win, there were obvious flaws within our performance. Laursen was very weak at the back. He lacked composure and could have cost us the game. I can't help but feel a little sympathy for Craig Gardner. It seems he is just filling in at RB and has been outclassed by the oppositions counter-part in all three matches. Hopefully we will have bought a replacement by the weekend otherwise it will be a long afternoon for him when up against the likes of Malouda and SWP. The defence as a whole looked very fragile and we couldn't go a whole season unless players are brought in. Ashley Young had a wonderful second half performance; in all fairness he won the game for us. However if Young is to prove himself worthy of such an enormous price tag then consistency is needed. I was at the Newcastle game last week and it was a game to forget for the England U-21. It just didn't work out for him and that was a golden oppertunity to use his speed against a Newcastle side that were seriously lacking pace. Gabby seemed fairly disapointing also. For the last two weeks he has missed clinical chances on goal. However for him to capture the form of the european championships this year I think a period on the subs bench wouldn't be such a bad idea. John Carew has been plain sluggish. How can a player score two past a world class Argentina Defence and then look second best against a mediocre Fulham. On a much brighter note, The performances of NRC, Moore and Maloney were if anything a breath of fresh air. NRC was a much needed asset in the middle of the park but I believe the biggest flop Villa have ever signed (Yes, even more so than Milan Baros) Perov needs to be shown the door while he can. To partner NRC we need a 'real' creative midfielder; a sort of Arteta type player. Moore and Maloney require a much deserved starting 11 place. Hopefully now they will finally recieve the credit they deserve. In terms of the transfer Window. I have full faith in O'Neil back when he managed Leicester and Celtic it was a hallmark of his for late and suprising buys.

August 26, 2007

villa 82 said:

Changing the subject i just read that Maloney has still not settled in the area and dosent know whether he will stay at villa or go back to Celtic with his tail between his legs.I personaly hope he stays could be a very good player for us if he can sort himself out, if not maybie a cheeky little swap for Nakamura?

August 26, 2007

Leroy said:

What is it with everyone wanting Defoe so desperately? Ive said it before and ill say it again: LUKE MOORE IS A BETTER FOOTBALL PLAYER THAN JERMAINE DEFOE. The only difference is Defoe has recieved more opportunities. Why do we want to buy another striker (for £15mil!) who is going to take more playing time away from a future star, who by the way is in the last year of his contract. It leaves the door wide open for someone like Spurs or West Ham to sign him up on a contract which we cant compete with. Moore is life long Villian and apart from the Midlands being his home the only other thing we can offer him that other big clubs cant is playing time, that is until we waste money on Defoe and then we cant even promise him that....Davis,Ridgewell ok, i can live with that, but if Moore leaves for more (pardon the pun) money, that willbe devestating. Kone of PSV or Fred of Lyon would be the only two strikers worth our time. I would rather see money spent at the back as Laursen seems to be somewhat of enigma at times, or a playmaking midfielder as Petrov is clearly inept at this time....That is providing that we are actually planning to buy anyone this week...

August 26, 2007

VILLAMAN4LIFE said:

i want defoe to come to villa i really do some of those players can play on the wings like young and maloney and gabby and moore on bench so villa am play the 4-3-3 formation with carew defoe and moore up front barry reo-coker and young in middle and new rb is needed mellberg laursen and bouma at back

August 26, 2007

Jacko33 said:

Leroy - def agree about Kone, every time Ive seen him he's looked pure class. Having said that defoe would be a great signing, image him getting on the end of all the chances we wasted. Most importantly eiher maloney or berger needs to be playmaker. MON hates doing it but he needs to give one of those total freedom on the field

August 26, 2007

avfcmitch said:

looks like we are not in talks or signing anybody today as on the villa site yesterday there was no pper talk and there is no paper talk on today so looks like we are not going to see anyone at villa for a few days

August 27, 2007

Chrisodon said:

Lol the villa website is just slow especially as of late, maybe because it's due to be changed. Anyway on the BBC Footie gossip page it says we've offered 7mil for mertersacker it's not the first time i've seen that we've offered money for him. Heres hoping! Also Glen Johnson has popped up again not my most favourite player but he'll do till january!

August 27, 2007

Chrisodon said:

Another thing how can some people honestly say Moore is better than Defoe? I'm not going to say Moore is nowhere near as good as Defoe, But to challenge for a uefa cup spot you need a proven goal scorer like Defoe he scored 18 goals last season from being on the bench alot, Moore could offer us alot in time but as of yet he's still too have a full season and let us all see his true quality. Koné is a good player but with 4 days left there wouldn't be enough time to get a work permit for him, Fred he's a typical Brazillian sulk definitely not a player want, i'd rather Anelka if that was the case he's proven quality striker in the premiership.

August 27, 2007

lanceley12 said:

ASHLEY YOUNG WAS MAN OF THE MATCH BY A MILE!!! Scored, assisted and got the Fulham right back sent off by skinning him!!! He'll be in England squad very soon!!!

August 27, 2007

Leroy said:

At Chrisodon: Ok,soi should change my sentance to `Luke Moore WILL BE a better player than Jermaine Defoe`. Defoeis not creative enough, i think at £15mil there are far better options. The money would be better spent shoring up the back four spots and clearly on a playmaking midfielder. The fact of the matter is Defoe is staying at Spurs, Anelka will most likely move to City if anywhere and we will sign Glen Johnson!!! What a joke, how can anyone say that we are contenders for europe when that is the calibre of players we are after, not to mention Defoe. I want our boys to prove me wrong but i doubt they will this year. But im happy as longas we make good choices and continue the momentum forward

August 27, 2007

april harding said:

craig gardener is absolutly sexy i work at the villa when thers a match and would love 2 meet him, im a villa fan 2 and would like 2 get the whole teams autographs 4 ma lil cousion. hope 1 day get 2 meet craig im 18 and will b at the next match, can u get back 2 me please ma addy is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ma email is da same nuf luv 2 all da villa and gd luck 4 the nxt match c u all there xxxxxxxxxx

September 09, 2007

april harding said:

craig gardeners is sexy id love 2 meet him i work at the viila when theres a match gd luk 4 da nxt game lads nuf luv 2 u all mainly craig hope 2 meet u one day louv april will u get bk 2 me plz

September 09, 2007

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