Aston Villa 1 - 2 MSK Zilina

I was aware Martin O'Neill was going to play a weakened side for the game. I was aware that players such as Gabby Agbonlahor needed a well earned break. But I was not prepared for such a poor performance, leaving most Villa fans embarrassed to be a part of the claret and blue army.

The team had been criticised for being too inexperienced, but let's not overlook the fact that Ashley and Luke Young both started, two players from the usual starting line-up, as did Nigel Reo-Coker who may not be playing well but is officially vice-captain. Carlos Cuellar; our multi-million pound summer signing. Zat Knight and Craig Gardener too, who may not be regulars but are both expected to be able to perform on any stage.

It is all well and good having a larger squad than we ever have done but what we need is the ability to play a weakened side that can still get results. I was very impressed with Zilina, who had been described as a 'Slovakian power-house' in the Evening Mail, but they were still bottom of the group without a win. They broke us down easily and looked dangerous on every attack.

I am not one to instantly start criticising his team; there were fans around me that were not as forgiving, but I cannot help but feel that Martin O'Neill underestimated our opponents. It was clear with the introductions of Gareth Barry, Agbonlahor and James Milner that he also started panicking late-on. I was confident we could come-back and earn a point but as time went on it was obviously becoming more and more of a challenge.

The chance was there to qualify, even to qualify as group winners. But instead we must go to Hamburg and grind-out a result. Something which, if they were watching last night, shouldn't worry them too much.

Delfouneso's lively performance was a silver-lining on a terrible night for other fringe players such as Salifou and Isiah Osbourne. But he still didn't do enough to convine me that he can compete for a place with Gabby or big John Carew.

Everton next, in a huge game, and then Bolton. I only hope that we can find the form that brought us that stunning 2-0 victory at the Emirates only a few weeks ago and resume our assault on the Premiership's 'big four'.