Aston Villa 1 – Newcastle United 2, match review

After watching today’s game I can see us progressing in terms of game play, but still plenty of rooms of improvement needed, as we could have won with greater margin where some opportunities are failed to convert into goal. 

Ben Arfa once again our man of the match imho, while on the ball he’s very dangerous with his movement and pace, and one golden opportunity has successfully converted into goal in 18th minutes. This is what made our fans happy – as many of our fans placed a bet or two on him /our team. Luckily, even if they placed a draw no bet type of bet, they didn’t lose!

After the lead, it seems that we were a bit vurnerable while under pressure, our back four were struggling defensively and almost get caught by Agbonlahor in the start of second-half.

Newcastle’s regained the attacking dominance shortly with Remy and Ben Arfa blistering pace are continuing to torment the home side. Ben Arfa denied his second while his curling effort was saved by Brad Guzan’s.

But after Remy being brought off with Gouffran coming on in his place, we are once again under pressure and Benteke levelled with a bullet header.

Thanks to Yoan Gouffran who takes us back in the lead in 73rd minutes after taking the advantage from Ben Arfa’s fierce left-foot shot that can only parried by Guzan.

We could have couple more goals, with Cisse and Ben Arfa both are going close.

The verdict, I can see some improvement going in the squad and hopefully this team can keep the team spirit and stay free of injuries at least until the next transfer window re-open in January next year.

Tiotte is back in the game, while Cabaye is still not in his best performance but soon he will be. In defense I think we still have plenty of work to do, as well as to bring Cisse’s killer instinct back.