I don’t mind being realistic but the “negative” label on AM stems not from always playing negatively but in the way he predetermines a likely loss. ManU on the fixture – play for a draw, Bolton or Norwich we can go for a win.

I imagine the strategy is a great way to make sure we pick up enough points to avoid relegation but as fans I think we’ll only see good attacking games when we play relegation fodder. Happy to see a win and I’m not a little more hopefully that we stay up but I can’t see these tactics getting us anywhere long-term.

by most measures, except chances created, the first half was pretty even… which, for me, was indicative of our incisiveness, without really controlling the game.

nevertheless, 2-0 at the break didn’t flatter us.

i can’t understand what has happened to bolton though, they’re really bad. i think they miss stuart holden, and sturridge is obviously a big loss too.

The win will give us the confidence for the next two tough home fixtures which we have against Liverpool and Arsenal.

On the whole a satisfying performance and 3 points which has made my weekend!!

Not sure about the first half being “very even” statistically; I suppose by some measures it was, but I would say Villa dominated. As you say, they blew good chances and could easily have been up 4-0. It is indeed only Bolton, but Dunne was again a shot-blocking beast and the marking was much better throughout the defensive zone.