SEASON SO FAR: Unspectacular. A fine start that brought wins at Stoke and Liverpool and a new contract for manager Paul Lambert has deteriorated into a mid-table scrap as well as seeing the departure of his No.2 Roy Keane. Villa's existence now seems to be ensuring they do not fall into relegation trouble. It is how their season is panning out - but surely a club of their stature should have higher aims.HOW IS THE MANAGER DOING?: The jury is out on Paul Lambert but he has not been given huge amount of room for manoeuvre in the transfer market by owner Randy Lerner, who has so far failed to sell the club. Like Villa's season - unspectacular.WHAT THEY NEED TO DO NEXT: Netherlands defender Ron Vlaar and England midfield man Fabian Delph are both free agents next summer. There is every chance one or two clubs might test their resolve to cash-in now rather than lose out in a few months. If Villa are to have any chance of prospering further this season, surely they must make sure they survive January without sales.Did you know?: The Villains have received a joint-high four red cards in the Premier League so far this season. They didn't receive a single red card in 2013-14.
The odd sprinkling of quality apart, its been dull. Frustrating thing is that we look a good side when everything clicks into place, but too often its been one step forward, and then about three steps back.Best Signing: Carlos Sanchez. A couple of dodgy games to start with, but is looking more assured by the game. Will be a big player for us if we can stay in the league.Poorest Signing: Tom Cleverley. No goals and no assists, yet we're considering spending nearly eight million on him?. What on earth does he bring to the party? Most Improved Player: Ciaran Clark. I've been his biggest critic, but he's grabbed his chance with both hands this season - possibly feeling it could be last chance saloon.Most Frustrating Player: Charles N'Zogbia. If I was in the dressing room I'd feel like pinning him up against the wall. Has the talent, but often appears selfish and effectively reduces us to ten before the now customary red card per-game.
As expected so far in terms of dross performances, league position and average players doing shifts in poor tactics. So, keep Vlaar and Delph till the summer. Let them leave for free. We've more chance of staying up or pushing on with them in the squad till the summer. Just keep Benteke till the summer too. We should have enough for another 15th place finish and a mind knumbing few months under Lambert.
Paul has worked miracles given where we are and our shocking goals for, even with our main scorer missing most of season.
Benteke injured, suspended. How many points are Liverpool and Everton ahead if us with the money they've spent?
Quote from: WestleyArmsAV on December 30, 2014, 12:42:54 PMBenteke injured, suspended. How many points are Liverpool and Everton ahead if us with the money they've spent?We can't and shouldn't be relying on Benteke though, because one day he'll be gone.
One if the worst forwards I've seen.