Eight changes, first starts for Chris Herd and Michael Bradley. It didn’t work, not at all. A routine beating at the hands of a frankly bemused City. A lacklustre and, at times, completely inept performance during the first half deserved the 2-0 half time scoreline. The third goal wasn’t entirely merited, there was a little fight about Villa after the break, but overall it’s probably a fair reflection on City’s superiority.

There was much head scratching before the game when the teamsheets were announced, the reaction will be far more vocal now the game is over.

I guess no one told Houllier about Moscow. MON never really got over that, Houllier has never enjoyed anything close to the support MON once had. I don’t know if the result would have been any different, but appearing not to care about the competition is what will upset most people.

After the string of PR gaffes, you’d think he’d know better. Maybe he does know better and will take the heat that will inevitably come his way.

As far as I’m concerned, they’re all professional footballers employed by Aston Villa Football Club, none of this “reserve team” nonsense. That was a young side, an inexperienced side yes, but a side full of quality players, some of whom the fans have also being complaining about not getting to play lately.

Bannan? Check. Delfouneso? Check. Can’t have it both ways.

The only player who might not be considered a regular member of the first team squad would be young Herd who was one of the few players to play with any real fire in his belly. Barry Bannan would be another.

Still, eight changes sent the message that Houllier’s one remaining priority is the league. Which is just as well, because that’s all we have now.

It might have been different without the early goal, again terrible defending at a set piece, but this was always going to be a struggle. It might have been different with the likes of Ash and Downing on the pitch instead of the bench too. Sure. It might not.

It’s done now. Personally, I didn’t have high expectations for this tie, time to move on. One goal left for this season; get as far up the league table as possible.

And finally, the away fans who did make the trip to Manchester were once again fantastic and deserved to see better. But look, that’s not just about the team selection, you can aim your ire at the manager if you like, but some the players could take a good look at themselves.