Okay, they didn't put in match 'winning performances' but it was nice to see them both start, even nicer to see that a few have even said Stiliyan Petrov could very well be the man of the match yesterday.

Shaun Maloney was substituted at half time and it nearly turned out to be an inspirational move as the team did have a better second half, but he can if he wants to, feel a little aggrieved at it happening as he was the best player we had in the first half.

Petrov joined us in August last year, not surprisingly right at the end of the transfer window and had a good start. However, it's fair to say he hasn't had the best time since he joined, but I really do think that it's going to get better, I'm just a little worried that he's not going to get the chance.

Maloney hasn't played a full season yet since he signed on the last day of the transfer window last January and he seems, to me anyway, to be a confidence player. I'm also convinced he's got what it takes and if he's given the chances and gets the support, we'll see some really good stuff from him.

The thing with Maloney is the talk of a move back to Celtic. He's not come out and said it's not happening and neither has the manager. I don't want him to leave and hope he doesn't, but, well we'll have to see what happens in January.

In the build up to Bolton last week a lot of people were hoping Maloney would start and he did, but did he do enough?

Also, I think the general consensus is that the central midfield should contain Gareth Barry and Nigel Reo-Coker so it's a worry to see when Petrov will get his chance.

One man decides and if they both get the backing from the Holte End I'm sure they'll do the job when called upon and if they do that enough times then I'm sure they'll get the starts they deserve.

Maybe, just maybe, Petrov and Maloney have done enough to get a start against Derby on Saturday?

Comments (11)

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JR said:

Personally I'd like to see Petrov and NRC start against Derby (if NRC isn't suspended?). Barry has looked shattered and woefully short of form in the last couple of games - his England exertions have taken something out of him. We should rest him for the Blues game - and we should beat Derby at home without him.

October 29, 2007

Dizzy Mugs said:

I thought Petrov was our best player. His dribbling and movement in the middle were easily spotlighted as Osbourne didn't take his chance and Barry, for me, was a little off-key. Maloney was playing well but he was substituted tactically. We needed a 2nd striker. Not quite sure what Berger was doing..was he a left-winger or a centre-mid? Oh and some lack of concentration from Laursen and Knight with those backpasses! Well done to Taylor for being one step ahead. I think he deserves to start above Carson vs. Derby.

October 29, 2007

stevievillaa said:

petrov should start against derby an give barry a much needed rest, he is looking a bit tired lately and i think he isnt playing a well as he can.. petrov done very well yesterday and against a shocking derby another good game will boast his confidence which is what he needs.this is a match o neill can afford to rest him

October 29, 2007

villa 82 said:

I agree with JR, Reo-Coker and Petrov would be a good shout for center mid in a 442, with Reo and Barry in the middle they both sit back way to deep. I may be in the minority here but i think Barry plays better for VILLA on the left, he may have been great in the middle for England but i personaly only really care that we play the best we can as a team and not play individuals in the positions that will help them get international caps.Also drop Knight and get Olef back in the middle with Laursen they are by far our best combo, and why not try Davis at right back? at least he is quick and fo 9m must be able to play there?So my team against Derby would be- Carson Davis,Melberg,Laursen,Bouma Young,Reo-Coker,Petrov,Barry Agbonlahor,Moore Bench-Taylor,Knight,Berger,Maloney,Carew. Osbourne as much as l love to see players coming through is not ready yet, Harewood i actually have no hope for, Gardener for me has to compete with Reo-Coker and MON loves Reo-Coker,Carew on the bench to give Moore(David Trezeguet look a like) a chance to see if he has found his scoring boots.And thats about it.

October 29, 2007

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October 29, 2007

rapscallion said:

olof mellberg cant pass or cross..... Petrov did his job..a bit quiet but he did okay..Maloney thinks hes playing (at times) in the SPL. Sometimes he needs to pass it after beating 1 man..But i agree he should be given another shot!! Barry neesds to be rested.. we need a bigger squad ASAP!!!

October 29, 2007

Astonguerilla said:

I was left cringing everytime the ball left Mellberg's foot yesterday, the right back situtation is a very serious problem. Can't help but feel that we missed Okey Cokey yesterday aswell.

October 29, 2007

Christian said:

I personally didnt think Petrov had as good a game as everyone is saying on here, sure he was better than he has been but he only seems to be able to go sideways or backwards. But compared to Osbourne yesterday, I suppose he looked like a world beater! I like little Maloney, we need more like him who aren't afraid to shoot. I was at Bodymoore Heath last week and saw Luke Moore stay behind after training and work on his first touch with a coach, so really pleased for him. A agree that Barry looks exhausted at the moment, but he's still too good to drop against the blues. I don't like to finish with a negative, but, I have never seen anyone get beat in the air as much as Zat knight and the guy is 6'6"!!! Anyway, keep the faith!

October 29, 2007

Luke said:

To be honest I don't think we've got more than 1 decent central midfielder - GB.

October 29, 2007

The Left Side said:

Personally I didn't rate Maloney's performance that highly - where was he supposed to be playing? He provided no cover at all for Melberg down the right - allowing Diouf to attack poor Olly at will. He also tended to give the ball away too regularly with his "school boy" I'll take everyone on mentality. I was happy to see him go off as that was the only chance for Villa to get back in the game. Luke Moore came on and played for the team, held the ball up well, linked with the midfield and took his goal extremely well. As for Olly's passing - truely awful. Zat's defending likewise. Our use of the ball from the defenders is horrendous (barring Bouma who does seem to be able to pass the ball to a Villa player). We either need a holding midfielder to take the ball off the back 4 - or some serious passing lessons.

October 29, 2007

Dizzy Mugs said:

Left Side, that's Reo-Cokers job. We missed him on Sunday. And i think Taylor did a better job than Carson has done in recent matches for sure.

October 30, 2007

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