Post by: Jon Crofts on March 12, 2021, 10:04:24 PM
Post by: Smithy on March 12, 2021, 10:06:07 PM
Yes, we SHOULD have won, and Ollie will be kicking himself for not finishing that breakaway chance at the end, but I don't think we necessarily deserved to.
Post by: john2710 on March 12, 2021, 10:06:45 PM
Sanson should have started.
Fair result & we looked every bit as bad as them..
Post by: chrisw1 on March 12, 2021, 10:07:13 PM
Our form has been awful since the Covid break. Thank fuck we had a good start as we seriously look like relegation candidates at the moment. What have we had - two good halves since Christmas?
Post by: Bad English on March 12, 2021, 10:07:22 PM
Post by: The Edge on March 12, 2021, 10:08:05 PM
Post by: LukeJames on March 12, 2021, 10:08:05 PM
I hope to fuck we snap out of it asap because we have been horrible to watch for the paat 6 odd weeks.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 12, 2021, 10:08:12 PM
Post by: CT on March 12, 2021, 10:08:57 PM
Konsa was superb, again, and Sanson looked very decent when he was on. Apart from that, average at best.
If they stay up by a point, I’ll be really pissed off.
Post by: Bobby Boy on March 12, 2021, 10:09:10 PM
It's not true though is it?
Post by: steamer on March 12, 2021, 10:09:28 PM
We really do not create very much
Barkley gave the ball away at least 3 times to set them up
not one of Tyrone's or ollys better games,
Our wing options are crap, although maybe a bit unfair on Trarore who was not on so long.
Post by: jcsutv on March 12, 2021, 10:10:28 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 12, 2021, 10:11:04 PM
Massively disappointing to give away an equaliser in the 94th minute, but a fair result for two teams who were below average for 90% of the game.
Yes, we SHOULD have won, and Ollie will be kicking himself for not finishing that breakaway chance at the end, but I don't think we necessarily deserved to.
I doubt it. He was offside.
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on March 12, 2021, 10:11:12 PM
Tyrone and Ollie (though his goal was well taken) were off the pace throughout. Both have earned enough brownie points recently to be too harsh on them (Ollie may well be knackered).
Disappointing but onto the next game.
Post by: brontebilly on March 12, 2021, 10:11:53 PM
Martinez 6, Elmo 5, Konsa 8, Mings 3, Targett 6, Luiz 6, McGinn 6, Traore 5 (AEG 3), Ramsey 4 (Sanson 5), Trez 4 (Barkley 6), Watkins 3.
Post by: DB on March 12, 2021, 10:12:26 PM
We have lost our major or whatever from before Christmas. No attacking ideas. While our defence is pretty sound, our midfield is way below quality needed. It shows how much Jack has on the opposition by drawing players in. Without him.we are struggling to match up.
Post by: Des Little on March 12, 2021, 10:12:41 PM
What a rotten start to the weekend.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 12, 2021, 10:12:46 PM
Post by: colin69 on March 12, 2021, 10:12:46 PM
Post by: manic-road on March 12, 2021, 10:12:55 PM
Post by: Risso on March 12, 2021, 10:13:02 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on March 12, 2021, 10:13:35 PM
Our form has been awful since the Covid break. Thank fuck we had a good start as we seriously look like relegation candidates at the moment.
No. We are playing like a mid table side as opposed to a side with serious intent for a european place.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 12, 2021, 10:13:42 PM
Game management was shocking at 1-0. It was pretty bad at 0-0 too.
Terrible. That time we were breaking and Watkins got tackled by Carroll. Our corner when within 3 seconds they were in our half. El ghazi giving away a free kick when it was rolling out for a throw in. Watkins running offside on that break. El Ghazi flick just before the goal. All after we scored.
Post by: Aldridge Villa on March 12, 2021, 10:13:48 PM
Post by: rougegorge on March 12, 2021, 10:14:25 PM
Massively disappointing to give away an equaliser in the 94th minute, but a fair result for two teams who were below average for 90% of the game.
Yes, we SHOULD have won, and Ollie will be kicking himself for not finishing that breakaway chance at the end, but I don't think we necessarily deserved to.
Ollie was offside there, but the one before with Barkley and El Ghazi was a great chance to sew it up.
We’ve resembled Burnley for the last few games in both the kit similarity and the lack of creativity.
It’s no coincidence without Jack. We don’t have a plan B without him other than keeping it tight. We certainly lack a threat from midfield.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on March 12, 2021, 10:15:28 PM
Mings was run ragged by Joelinton tonight, and possibly Ollie’s worst performance in a villa shirt. I love his attitude and work rate, but we need goals. You can only blame luck for so long.... Should have put it to bed when through at 1-0.
I think he’ll eventually be a winger for us.
Gutted we didn’t get the 3pts, but to be honest they deserved the points more than us.
Post by: AlwaysVilla on March 12, 2021, 10:17:22 PM
Post by: Bobby Boy on March 12, 2021, 10:17:33 PM
Anwar basically gave the ball away every time he got it - he had one of his really bad nights.
Anwar, Trez, Traore... Not of the quality that we need if we want to continue moving forward.
Would be shocked if El Ghazi and Trez are in our plans next season.
Post by: SoccerHQ on March 12, 2021, 10:17:39 PM
To be a credible top 6 european force again you need more than just to rely on one player for every single second of every game.
When we were last a proper top 6 team we had Milner as the main man but likes of Young and Gabby were very good and effective supporting cast who can win games themselves aswell so that shows you how far we have to go.
Realistically our season ends with the goal conceded. Won't finish any higher than 8th and will probably stay 9th or drop to 10th so decent but nagging feeling will always remain there was a little bit more in there for us this season.
I don't think we deserved to win anyway and seems we used up all our game management for 1-0 up already this season as whole of injury time was a bit of a shambles in wasting those two counter attacks and then messing up clearing and defending the cross.
Frustrating but winning tonight would've just papered over the cracks of recent weeks.
Plenty for DS to be cracking on with in the summer. Badly need another play in front 3/4 with talent and also some personality to take some of the pressure off Jack.
Post by: Goldenballs on March 12, 2021, 10:17:55 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 12, 2021, 10:17:56 PM
Post by: pooligan on March 12, 2021, 10:18:08 PM
Post by: Risso on March 12, 2021, 10:18:10 PM
Konsa MOTM, he rarely puts a foot wrong. We'll do well to keep him next season if the season continues to go down the plug hole.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 12, 2021, 10:19:29 PM
More ammunition for the so-called pundits to keep rolling out the “shite without Jack” phrase.... and it’s true.
Mings was run ragged by Joelinton tonight, and possibly Ollie’s worst performance in a villa shirt. I love his attitude and work rate, but we need goals. You can only blame luck for so long.... Should have put it to bed when through at 1-0.
I think he’ll eventually be a winger for us.
Gutted we didn’t get the 3pts, but to be honest they deserved the points more than us.
Is this the new ‘why didn’t Barry etc?
He was offside.
Post by: brontebilly on March 12, 2021, 10:19:41 PM
Anwar basically gave the ball away every time he got it - he had one of his really bad nights.
He actually started ok but was abysmal in the second half. Wanted to come off after we made three subs. Embarrassing
Post by: KevinGage on March 12, 2021, 10:20:09 PM
Any Newcastle fan - or fan of any other persuasion for that matter - will wonder how this side can be spoken about as European contenders.
Post by: Rudy65 on March 12, 2021, 10:20:25 PM
Anwar basically gave the ball away every time he got it - he had one of his really bad nights.
Which other than last December has been the storey of his career at VP. Ditto Trez. So poor the pair of them. Also McGinn isn’t good enough. Frustrating to concede so late but didn’t deserve to win
Post by: OzVilla on March 12, 2021, 10:20:44 PM
Season petering out now.
Post by: ParkerG on March 12, 2021, 10:20:54 PM
Post by: Ads on March 12, 2021, 10:21:15 PM
Every other chance, and there was barely any, we created for them with some unenforced errors.
The real issue is how poor we have been attack wise. I think the issue stems from a predictability. Personnel change but the means and formation does not. While the attack in itself is designed to be flexible, the consistent approach with it has been too easily countered.
We seem incapable of penetrating a low block. Cash and Grealish certainly help, but the wide men come inside and the full backs deliver, Ollie plays off the shoulder. We try and turn defences with quick ball.
Only those transitions are slower at the moment and facing sides 10 yards deeper.
I think part of the problem is Watkins. His touch was very poor tonight and while a willing runner, he was dominated physically. A spell outwide, with a central strike partner or on the bench might help, but there aren't a great deal of options and there won't be till the summer.
The other issue is the widemen. I think Trezeguet has come up way short this season. El Ghazi and Traore flicker between unplayable and ineffective, as seems to be the lot of a winger. Either way, the delivery for weeks hasn't been there.
Cash and Targett are so important to the way we play and I am very disappointed to see Cash watch from the bench as a poor Championship player in Elmo really lowers the quality of us in every aspect, play instead. Cash should have started.
Grealish improves us no end but I feel we've not been right even with him in the side. A different means of attack is needed.
Back to the game, we ought to have held out against a limited Newcastle side who are certainly circling the bowl and will be flushed at some point. We don't often throw points away, but the two games we have are head scratchers.
Ramsey was was wrong choice and I think combined with Elmo set out a conservatism that the opposition did not warrant.
Mings seemed to get involved needlessly with a frankly risible player in Joelinton. He lost the first contact and seemed to be on a mission to prove something.
For me I'd go with a diamond for a few games, with or without Jack and flood central areas. Ultimately the width comes from the full backs, but its about.committing runners to different spaces.
Each season seems to be typified by these poor runs. We see growth here that we are still capable of picking up points.
COVID stepped into save us and has seemingly stepped in to.nudge us over. In context, this is the best season in well over a decade. Quite remarkable that gone is the need to be sanguine, but actually to challenge convention and want us to push for more, but in the much warmer embrace of being a top half team.
Something will click one game, be it a Neil Diamond song, a pandemic or whatever and then the funny run ends and a stranger more successful one begins. But that was a tough watch. I've seen tougher mind. This is the first Premier League season of my working life where there has never been a post it note of scribble containing where the points will come from to keep us up.
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on March 12, 2021, 10:21:28 PM
More ammunition for the so-called pundits to keep rolling out the “shite without Jack” phrase.... and it’s true.
Mings was run ragged by Joelinton tonight, and possibly Ollie’s worst performance in a villa shirt. I love his attitude and work rate, but we need goals. You can only blame luck for so long.... Should have put it to bed when through at 1-0.
I think he’ll eventually be a winger for us.
Gutted we didn’t get the 3pts, but to be honest they deserved the points more than us.
No they didn't. They were equally as bad as us.
Post by: CT Villan on March 12, 2021, 10:21:32 PM
They look like they're already on the beach. Shame 'cause we could have had European football with a few better performances.
Post by: olaftab on March 12, 2021, 10:21:50 PM
Hard to take Twice in one day i watch a villa team concede in the 95th minute and its not the first time we have conceded so bloody late
So when was the last time this season?
Post by: Villafirst on March 12, 2021, 10:22:00 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 12, 2021, 10:22:12 PM
Post by: Woody17 on March 12, 2021, 10:22:18 PM
Post by: Risso on March 12, 2021, 10:22:25 PM
Post by: Villatillidie1982 on March 12, 2021, 10:22:36 PM
Ridiculous post match interview from Lascelles. Apparently they should have won because they had the most chances and we scored with a lucky deflection from our one chance. What a prick. Hope they get relegated now. I can't stand that type of blinkered one eyed bullshit.Our goal was a, deflection and they did hit the bar.
Post by: ktvillan on March 12, 2021, 10:22:45 PM
Post by: Bobby Boy on March 12, 2021, 10:23:20 PM
El Ghazi just needed to roll the ball into either corner late on for 2-0, but doesn't and they equalise. El Ghazi, Trez and Traore are all Championship players.
Konsa MOTM, he rarely puts a foot wrong. We'll do well to keep him next season if the season continues to go down the plug hole.
Completely agree. Thanks to Trez for what he did at the end of last season and to El Ghazi for the Play off goal but they are well below the standard that we need. Well below.
Championship is about right.
Post by: olaftab on March 12, 2021, 10:24:11 PM
Post by: rougegorge on March 12, 2021, 10:25:09 PM
Hard to take Twice in one day i watch a villa team concede in the 95th minute and its not the first time we have conceded so bloody lateI think that’s the first time we’ve lost points in the last 10 minutes this season. We’ve also grabbed 2 late wins ourselves at Leicester and Wolves.
Post by: AndyB6 on March 12, 2021, 10:25:22 PM
I can't see us getting to 50 points right now.
Post by: Holte132 on March 12, 2021, 10:25:32 PM
Ridiculous post match interview from Lascelles. Apparently they should have won because they had the most chances and we scored with a lucky deflection from our one chance. What a prick. Hope they get relegated now. I can't stand that type of blinkered one eyed bullshit.
Not to mention that what he said was just wrong! Them, 12 and 3 on target, us 15 and 6
Post by: DB on March 12, 2021, 10:25:36 PM
Post by: Steve67 on March 12, 2021, 10:26:15 PM
Post by: olaftab on March 12, 2021, 10:26:49 PM
Here comes Dean with the piss poor excuses.I am not his fan but I thought he was honest and offered no excuses.
Post by: Risso on March 12, 2021, 10:27:17 PM
McGinn for me was the guilty man. Totally lazy and decides to stand 10 yards off the man putting the cross in. Should have been all over him like a rash.
He's scored one goal in about 50 games now. Not good enough.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on March 12, 2021, 10:27:34 PM
McGinn for me was the guilty man. Totally lazy and decides to stand 10 yards off the man putting the cross in. Should have been all over him like a rash.
McGinn is lazy ?
Post by: olaftab on March 12, 2021, 10:29:49 PM
Not the best start to the weekend. FFS!It's not the worst. Not losing just about keeps me interested in the other games this weekend.
Post by: brontebilly on March 12, 2021, 10:31:10 PM
McGinn for me was the guilty man. Totally lazy and decides to stand 10 yards off the man putting the cross in. Should have been all over him like a rash.
He wasn't that fast getting out to the cross but Lascelles runs off the back of Luiz. Luiz was far too soft getting turned by Murphy for their shot that hit the bar too. Thought he was doing well up to then, one of our few players that did.
Post by: Hillbilly on March 12, 2021, 10:32:11 PM
Post by: WarszaVillan on March 12, 2021, 10:32:45 PM
Post by: The Edge on March 12, 2021, 10:33:09 PM
Post by: andyh on March 12, 2021, 10:33:52 PM
If he plays that simply to Sanson, he is away and the clock runs down and we win.
That lazy, sloppy, ineptitude summed us up tonight and cost us 2 points.
Post by: Aldridge Villa on March 12, 2021, 10:33:53 PM
Post by: olaftab on March 12, 2021, 10:34:05 PM
Rubbish.How about by position in the table?
Any Newcastle fan - or fan of any other persuasion for that matter - will wonder how this side can be spoken about as European contenders.
Post by: ktvillan on March 12, 2021, 10:34:14 PM
AEG looks brilliant on occasions but those moments are too few and far between. And in the gaps he is a waste of space.
Trez scored some vital goals to help us stay up, for which I'll be forever grateful, but if he's a PL player so am I and so's my Mother. I've tried giving him a chance and it's fair to say he's showed some improvement in his general play. But that's not saying much considering his level was gash last season, and is now just poor.
We really need better than these two if we want to be top 6.
Post by: KevinGage on March 12, 2021, 10:35:16 PM
McGinn for me was the guilty man. Totally lazy and decides to stand 10 yards off the man putting the cross in. Should have been all over him like a rash.
McGinn is lazy ?
Still plenty of heart and endeavour.
But there's been a tardiness to his play recently I'm not mad about.
Post by: Allan C on March 12, 2021, 10:35:30 PM
Post by: Uknowthescore on March 12, 2021, 10:36:06 PM
Post by: olaftab on March 12, 2021, 10:36:30 PM
Yes. Please watch again their goal. John is lazy and casual.McGinn for me was the guilty man. Totally lazy and decides to stand 10 yards off the man putting the cross in. Should have been all over him like a rash.
McGinn is lazy ?
Post by: Rudy65 on March 12, 2021, 10:36:48 PM
McGinn’s work rate top notch tonight I thought. Up and down the pitch throughout whilst others around him appeared trapped in treacle.
It’s just when he is in possession that it all goes wrong. Yes a couple of decent long passes tonight but just doesn’t do enough for me. Not good enough and hasn’t been since his ankle break last season. Sell
Post by: Taylor on March 12, 2021, 10:36:58 PM
Here comes Dean with the piss poor excuses.Do you perpetuate this constant anti-Dean vitriol just to get a rise?
Post by: Nii Lamptey on March 12, 2021, 10:37:56 PM
He was offside twice in the same move - He shouldn’t have been.
Is this the new ‘why didn’t Barry etc?
He was offside.
Anyway, didn’t mean to make Ollie the scapegoat.... apart from Konsa, Martinez and Targett, they were all garbage tonight
Post by: Risso on March 12, 2021, 10:38:02 PM
Post by: martyn ellis on March 12, 2021, 10:38:14 PM
Post by: mr woo on March 12, 2021, 10:38:16 PM
Quote from: olaftab
link=topic=61960.msg3927936#msg3927936 date=1615587851McGinn for me was the guilty man. Totally lazy and decides to stand 10 yards off the man putting the cross in. Should have been all over him like a rash.
McGinn is lazy ?
Well yes he was. Notwithstanding his previous contribution, he had to put one further burst in and that cross would not have come over.
Post by: JuanMartinez on March 12, 2021, 10:38:29 PM
Joe Cole spoke a lot of sense after the game.
Could have done with him on here during the match.
Some lunatic kept faffing about a Scottish club from Glasgow.
The old man Just had too much wine bless him.
Post by: andyh on March 12, 2021, 10:38:41 PM
Post by: Villa Lew on March 12, 2021, 10:39:27 PM
Post by: Legion on March 12, 2021, 10:40:20 PM
Joe Cole spoke a lot of sense after the game.
Could have done with him on here during the match.
Some lunatic kept faffing about a Scottish club from Glasgow.
The old man Just had too much wine bless
Him
Could you run that through Google Translate please, Will?
Post by: ktvillan on March 12, 2021, 10:40:39 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 12, 2021, 10:42:05 PM
Post by: OzVilla on March 12, 2021, 10:42:45 PM
Post by: brontebilly on March 12, 2021, 10:43:08 PM
We should have bought another forward in January. When Watkins is struggling we have nothing else in reserve, and for 75% of the time El Ghazi, Traore and Trezeguet are utter shite.
No point in getting in a decent backup striker if Smith won't rotate his squad. Watkins has played every minute this season, it's obscene really.
Post by: VILLA MOLE on March 12, 2021, 10:43:35 PM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on March 12, 2021, 10:43:45 PM
The team had their run of form disjointed by the covid outbreak, and it’s obviously knocked the wind out of our sales. Even Jack was shite the last two games he played!
I’d take our recent run of poor form, in return for a rested and recovered Jack to inspire a Liverpool-esq Sunday night mauling of the Spuds!
Post by: Ads on March 12, 2021, 10:43:52 PM
Barkley did OK for me. Gave away a crazy ball, got tackled twice early on trying to run it, but he started picking better balls and posed more of a threat. He should have started over Ramsey.
Post by: Legion on March 12, 2021, 10:45:07 PM
We should have bought another forward in January. When Watkins is struggling we have nothing else in reserve, and for 75% of the time El Ghazi, Traore and Trezeguet are utter shite.
No point in getting in a decent backup striker if Smith won't rotate his squad. Watkins has played every minute this season, it's obscene really.
Or not sent Archer out on loan and given him a chance as opposed to Davis on the bench all the time.
Post by: Goldenballs on March 12, 2021, 10:46:45 PM
Post by: eamonn on March 12, 2021, 10:47:01 PM
Joe Cole spoke a lot of sense after the game.
What did he say ?
Post by: Drummond on March 12, 2021, 10:47:33 PM
Joe Cole spoke a lot of sense after the game.
Could have done with him on here during the match.
Some lunatic kept faffing about a Scottish club from Glasgow.
The old man Just had too much wine bless
Him
Could you run that through Google Translate please, Will?
"I run a pub, yada yada, I'm on a wind-up yada yada, Rangers etc."
Post by: Ads on March 12, 2021, 10:47:49 PM
We've dropped off and others have to as well, with varying degrees.
Post by: The Edge on March 12, 2021, 10:48:49 PM
Ok I'll repeat.He said they had the most chances and we got a lucky deflection from our one chance. They had 12 shots 3 on target. We had 15 shots 6 on target. I'll stand by my original post.Ridiculous post match interview from Lascelles. Apparently they should have won because they had the most chances and we scored with a lucky deflection from our one chance. What a prick. Hope they get relegated now. I can't stand that type of blinkered one eyed bullshit.Our goal was a, deflection and they did hit the bar.
Post by: brontebilly on March 12, 2021, 10:48:49 PM
Sanson didn't have an impact.
Barkley did OK for me. Gave away a crazy ball, got tackled twice early on trying to run it, but he started picking better balls and posed more of a threat. He should have started over Ramsey.
I'd agree with that, Barkley started terribly but played some tidy passes for a finish. But it's nothing only after timing to suggest he should have started ahead of anyone based on his recent form.
Post by: Rudy65 on March 12, 2021, 10:49:17 PM
What type of player is Sanson supposed to be? So far all I've really noticed is that he dribbles a bit, then gets booked fouling whilst tracking back.
3 bookings in the trot now. Early days but hasn’t exactly set the worldly alight. Yet. One for next season. He is coming into a poor side now
Post by: AlwaysVilla on March 12, 2021, 10:49:40 PM
Post by: rougegorge on March 12, 2021, 10:49:48 PM
Thought Sanson was poor when he came on, not as poor as Barkley but certainly still poor.I’ll reserve judgment, but so far Sanson hasn’t shown much albeit with limited opportunities. Ramsay is tidy at the moment and will improve but it’s asking a lot for him to really influence a game.
I’m not sure we’ve necessarily been found out as some say. We are just not playing very well, apart from the defence, and even less so without Grealish.
Post by: Skerra on March 12, 2021, 10:49:59 PM
Just having Jack back will not be enough. We weren’t that good in the last few games he was in the team. What we really need is Jack back but, also the other players pulling their weight. We also don’t seem to have any wingers that can go past opposition players and, generally, too slow building any worthwhile attacks.
Ollie is a very willing player but, not what I would call a natural finisher. He would be great playing a wider position. I still think he would score 10/15 goals a season but, we desperately need a centre forward that can notch 20+ goals in addition. Playing 4-3-3 is fine if the wingers are pacy/tricky so, that also needs addressing. I agree, in the main, that progress has certainly been made this season but, the drop off since Xmas has been abysmal. Also, really glad we already have the points in the bag as at least we can look forward to playing in the top league again next season. The main problem for me is always that we are Aston Villa FC so, I expect us to live up to that great name.
Post by: Risso on March 12, 2021, 10:50:05 PM
Smith has a very good point. The league is terrible at the moment and I'm struggling to recall anybody outside of Man City really turning it on with consistency.
We've dropped of and others have to as well, with varying degrees.
I don't really care about anybody else though, if anything it just highlights what a missed opportunity this season will be. We've got 11 games left, and 8 of those are against teams in the top 8. Many more games like the last few performances and we'll struggle to get another 6 points.
Post by: Ads on March 12, 2021, 10:50:45 PM
Sanson didn't have an impact.
Barkley did OK for me. Gave away a crazy ball, got tackled twice early on trying to run it, but he started picking better balls and posed more of a threat. He should have started over Ramsey.
I'd agree with that, Barkley started terribly but played some tidy passes for a finish. But it's nothing only after timing to suggest he should have started ahead of anyone based on his recent form.
Felt they conceded a lot more territory first half and in that envelope of space Shelvey ambled around in, giving the ball away closer to their box that he could have caused trouble.
Second half they changed it slightly. All in hindsight, but Ramsey and Elmo were two I wouldn't have started with.
Post by: Steve67 on March 12, 2021, 10:50:51 PM
What type of player is Sanson supposed to be? So far all I've really noticed is that he dribbles a bit, then gets booked fouling whilst tracking back.
3 bookings in the trot now. Early days but hasn’t exactly set the worldly alight. Yet. One for next season. He is coming into a poor side now
The three bookings all for fouls where he's chasing the ball. Timing isn't quite there yet as he gets up to speed with the pace of the Premier League. Needs time to settle in.
Post by: rougegorge on March 12, 2021, 10:51:46 PM
Thought Sanson was poor when he came on, not as poor as Barkley but certainly still poor.I’ll reserve judgment, but so far Sanson hasn’t shown much albeit with limited opportunities. Ramsey is tidy at the moment and will improve but it’s asking a lot for him to really influence a game.
I’m not sure we’ve necessarily been found out as some say. We are just not playing very well, apart from the defence, and even less so without Grealish.
Post by: steamer on March 12, 2021, 10:52:18 PM
Big close season on our intentions.
Forwards and Midfield needed.
Some upgrades, compare our , Trez Ghazi and trarore . non would be in any team above us,
McGinn, Luiz should have players of at least the same but preferably better quality as alternatives.
An alternative/option to Ollie he can not keep playing every game
A lot to ask for but unless you are constantly investing and evolving you are going backwards.
This team on current form are relegation candidates next season
Post by: Ads on March 12, 2021, 10:53:30 PM
Smith has a very good point. The league is terrible at the moment and I'm struggling to recall anybody outside of Man City really turning it on with consistency.
We've dropped of and others have to as well, with varying degrees.
I don't really care about anybody else though, if anything it just highlights what a missed opportunity this season will be. We've got 11 games left, and 8 of those are against teams in the top 8. Many more games like the last few performances and we'll struggle to get another 6 points.
I'm not so sure. Who is it that's impressed? Man United beat Man City with a textbook away win after they drew with the diabolical Palace. We operate in context and there's a reason why by and large we are seeing some poor games everywhere.
It might be a missed opportunity, but the good news is, we will have another one next year and the year after. We're built and building on solider foundations than delusions like our abstract neighbours with WV postcodes.
Post by: Risso on March 12, 2021, 10:54:18 PM
I rate McGinn also, but he gave the ball away a few times.
Big close season on our intentions.
Forwards and Midfield needed.
Some upgrades, compare our , Trez Ghazi and trarore . non would be in any team above us,
McGinn, Luiz should have players of at least the same but preferably better quality as alternatives.
An alternative/option to Ollie he can not keep playing every game
A lot to ask for but unless you are constantly investing and evolving you are going backwards.
This team on current form are relegation candidates next season
I agree, the defence is great and provides a good foundation, as does Watkins up top. Other than him and of course Grealish, everybody else is distinctly average, and Smith seems to be picking some of them at random and hope they gel, and it just isn't working.
Post by: Legion on March 12, 2021, 10:57:16 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on March 12, 2021, 10:57:47 PM
Barkley did OK for me. Gave away a crazy ball, got tackled twice early on trying to run it, but he started picking better balls and posed more of a threat. He should have started over Ramsey.
Revised team based on the absences and returns.
Martinez
Targett
Mings
Konsa
Cash
Dougie
McGinn
Sanson
El Ghazi
Watkins
Traore
;)
Post by: The Edge on March 12, 2021, 10:57:51 PM
I can't recall the whole thing now especially as the San Miguel is kicking in now. But basically saying we've had a good season and exceeded our expectations. Our early form probably raised expectations to an unrealistic level which made me think of some of the ott reactions we get on here in the match thread. Our overall trajectory is still on the up we've got international players all over the pitch and after years in the doldrums it's a great time to be a Villa fan. The last part is my words not Joe.Joe Cole spoke a lot of sense after the game.
What did he say ?
Post by: Ian. on March 12, 2021, 10:58:05 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on March 12, 2021, 11:00:10 PM
Overall, another crap night.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 12, 2021, 11:00:26 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 12, 2021, 11:03:38 PM
Elmo awful again
Smith made very poor subs again and Watkins could not trap a bag of cement.
Post by: olaftab on March 12, 2021, 11:05:42 PM
And he apologised for his ineffective stint at Villa ;)I can't recall the whole thing now especially as the San Miguel is kicking in now. But basically saying we've had a good season and exceeded our expectations. Our early form probably raised expectations to an unrealistic level which made me think of some of the ott reactions we get on here in the match thread. Our overall trajectory is still on the up we've got international players all over the pitch and after years in the doldrums it's a great time to be a Villa fan. The last part is my words not Joe.Joe Cole spoke a lot of sense after the game.
What did he say ?
Post by: Drummond on March 12, 2021, 11:06:01 PM
The opposition have worked out how to close us down and press us into errors. Some players are just wasteful however and passing has gone downhill. Lacking composure.
Konsa outstanding again.
Post by: Small Rodent on March 12, 2021, 11:06:31 PM
All have done their jobs well at times this season.
I’m not going to get angry, because with injuries, this is what we have. At this time.
Post by: steamer on March 12, 2021, 11:07:26 PM
A few neat passes, a bit of dribbling and then giving away a free kick as he struggles to get back.
a development player for me. Not the finished item
Post by: The Edge on March 12, 2021, 11:08:07 PM
Maybe the lack of rotation is due to Dean not been too keen on the options. I'm pretty sure if our options were of a much higher quality we would see plenty of rotation.We should have bought another forward in January. When Watkins is struggling we have nothing else in reserve, and for 75% of the time El Ghazi, Traore and Trezeguet are utter shite.
No point in getting in a decent backup striker if Smith won't rotate his squad. Watkins has played every minute this season, it's obscene really.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on March 12, 2021, 11:10:32 PM
https://www.soccerstats.com/formtable.asp?league=england
Post by: stubbsyandy on March 12, 2021, 11:14:08 PM
The ball breaks on the edge of your own box and a simple layoff is completely fucked up by an half arsed El Ghazi.
If he plays that simply to Sanson, he is away and the clock runs down and we win.
That lazy, sloppy, ineptitude summed us up tonight and cost us 2 points.
Exactly
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 12, 2021, 11:16:48 PM
Elmo 7
Targett 7.5
Mings 5.5
Konsa 7
Douglas 6
Ramsey 5
McGinn 7
Traore 5
Watkins 6.5
Trez 6.5
Subs:
El Ghazi 6
Barkley 6
Sanson 6.5
Close to the victory and should have made it 2-0
Frustrating to lose 2pts when in all honesty defence comfortable in many respects.
That said Mings was uncomfortable with Joelinton all night and physically had struggled. All over the place and no surprised was booked. Has no issues in the air with the crosses but was way off tonight in his handling of the striker.
Felt Ramsey was unable to showcase much and was as hardly as impressive as their youngest from Aresnal Willock.
Jacob was unassuming and was rightly subbed.
Sanson looks good in way he moves and passes. And I think will start to come in and look forward to him interchanging passes and patterns of play with Jack.
Barkley was having a heck of challenge to fit into the tempo and was getting caught in possession and giving ball away steadily improved late on but should be far more impact than he did
Watkins hold up play and some passes were atrocious as was his miss (keeper save) for would have been the clincher late on at 1-0.
Too many wrong options tonight with final ball and then when get break through expecting to see it home.
There was an excellence in the defence and organisations of the team shape especially in giving much away but that was not majorly difficult against a weak attacking side of Newcastle.
Post by: TonyD on March 12, 2021, 11:17:18 PM
Lost count of the individual mistakes made.
Shocking bad.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 12, 2021, 11:17:22 PM
Smiths idea that there is no such thing as exhaustion is harming our chances.
Post by: brontebilly on March 12, 2021, 11:18:32 PM
Sanson is a lively character but I am not sure what role he plays.
A few neat passes, a bit of dribbling and then giving away a free kick as he struggles to get back.
a development player for me. Not the finished item
Huge difference in pace and intensity between the EPL and the French league. Remember the likes of Gueye and Veretout. Will take Sanson time and likely a summer in the gym before he is fully ready.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 12, 2021, 11:20:02 PM
Martinez 7
Elmo 5
Targett 6
Mings 5.5
Konsa 7
Douglas 6
Ramsey 5
McGinn 7
Traore 5
Watkins 4
Trez 6.5
Subs:
El Ghazi 2
Barkley 4
Sanson 5
Smith 4
Post by: aj2k77 on March 12, 2021, 11:21:59 PM
Post by: The Edge on March 12, 2021, 11:22:21 PM
Martinez 7Targett better than Konsa? Not for me. Targett was one of our better players tonight and he has improved massively this season but i don't think he was better than Konsa. I said in the match thread that I think Konsa is a Rolls Royce of a defender. His timing is sublime at times.He reminds me of Rio Ferdinand.
Elmo 7
Targett 7.5
Mings 5.5
Konsa 7
Douglas 6
Ramsey 5
McGinn 7
Traore 5
Watkins 6.5
Trez 6.5
Subs:
El Ghazi 6
Barkley 6
Sanson 6.5
Close to the victory and should have made it 2-0
Frustrating to lose 2pts when in all honesty defence comfortable in many respects.
That said Mings was uncomfortable with Joelinton all night and physically had struggled. All over the place and no surprised was booked. Has no issues in the air with the crosses but was way off tonight in his handling of the striker.
Felt Ramsey was unable to showcase much and was as hardly as impressive as their youngest from Aresnal Willock.
Jacob was unassuming and was rightly subbed.
Sanson looks good in way he moves and passes. And I think will start to come in and look forward to him interchanging passes and patterns of play with Jack.
Barkley was having a heck of challenge to fit into the tempo and was getting caught in possession and giving ball away steadily improved late on but should be far more impact than he did
Watkins hold up play and some passes were atrocious as was his miss (keeper save) for would have been the clincher late on at 1-0.
Too many wrong options tonight with final ball and then when get break through expecting to see it home.
There was an excellence in the defence and organisations of the team shape especially in giving much away but that was not majorly difficult against a weak attacking side of Newcastle.
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 12, 2021, 11:22:52 PM
Post by: jcsutv on March 12, 2021, 11:22:57 PM
Always looks for the ball and the next pass or takes a player away. I like any player who wants the ball all the time and I think you will see how good he is playing with Jack.Sanson is a lively character but I am not sure what role he plays.
A few neat passes, a bit of dribbling and then giving away a free kick as he struggles to get back.
a development player for me. Not the finished item
Huge difference in pace and intensity between the EPL and the French league. Remember the likes of Gueye and Veretout. Will take Sanson time and likely a summer in the gym before he is fully ready.
Post by: Madferret62 on March 12, 2021, 11:29:09 PM
Post by: Legion on March 12, 2021, 11:30:43 PM
Ah, this where the pant wetters hang out!
Meaning?
Post by: Legion on March 12, 2021, 11:31:17 PM
Poor game of football which ended with the correct result. Konsa is the dogs bollocks.
Fair appraisal.
Post by: eamonn on March 12, 2021, 11:32:25 PM
Ah, this where the pant wetters hang out!
Sounds like you're mad for it.
Post by: The Edge on March 12, 2021, 11:33:13 PM
I like the look of him I like how he always takes the ball on the half turn ready to go on the offensive. There's plenty out there who take the safe option every time. Control the ball turn back or sideways and play a simple ball. Think Ashley Westwood. I really think we will see the best of him when Jack is back and we start playing well again. I'm looking forward to watching him develop as he gets used to the pace of the game here.Always looks for the ball and the next pass or takes a player away. I like any player who wants the ball all the time and I think you will see how good he is playing with Jack.Sanson is a lively character but I am not sure what role he plays.
A few neat passes, a bit of dribbling and then giving away a free kick as he struggles to get back.
a development player for me. Not the finished item
Huge difference in pace and intensity between the EPL and the French league. Remember the likes of Gueye and Veretout. Will take Sanson time and likely a summer in the gym before he is fully ready.
Post by: Risso on March 12, 2021, 11:35:58 PM
I like the look of him I like how he always takes the ball on the half turn ready to go on the offensive. There's plenty out there who take the safe option every time. Control the ball turn back or sideways and play a simple ball. Think Ashley Westwood. I really think we will see the best of him when Jack is back and we start playing well again. I'm looking forward to watching him develop as he gets used to the pace of the game here.
Traore is a bad one for this. He's capable of doing something special, but the majority of the time he'll turn round and pass it back to one of the players behind him, rather than take the defender on.
Post by: Legion on March 12, 2021, 11:38:05 PM
Post by: KevinGage on March 12, 2021, 11:39:52 PM
Dreadful. ball retention, dreadful passing, dreadful crossing. It all seems to have gone. We have looked very good in the past with an ability to keep the ball in tight situations, with crisp and accurate passing, and some accurate shooting. All seems to have gone. I'm not one to blame it on Covid but something has happened since then to turn us into the kind of team a neutral would groan about when he looks at the upcoming matches on TV. And Barkley ... Need I go on? He consistently runs into trouble and gets robbed so easily. Awful performance.
Defended Barkley a fair bit on here recently.
He has quality and could come good for us again in the run in.
But he was woeful tonight. The anti cameo.
Post by: The Edge on March 12, 2021, 11:41:11 PM
I agree we are crying out for full on wingers who get the ball and their first thought is to destroy his marker. It's an area where I think they will be looking to improve on in the summer.I like the look of him I like how he always takes the ball on the half turn ready to go on the offensive. There's plenty out there who take the safe option every time. Control the ball turn back or sideways and play a simple ball. Think Ashley Westwood. I really think we will see the best of him when Jack is back and we start playing well again. I'm looking forward to watching him develop as he gets used to the pace of the game here.
Traore is a bad one for this. He's capable of doing something special, but the majority of the time he'll turn round and pass it back to one of the players behind him, rather than take the defender on.
Post by: Risso on March 12, 2021, 11:42:29 PM
I agree we are crying out for full on wingers who get the ball and their first thought is to destroy his marker. It's an area where I think they will be looking to improve on in the summer.
I hope they do. Traore would seem to have the most chance of making it, but I wouldn't be at all upset if both Trez and El Ghazi were moved on.
Post by: brontebilly on March 12, 2021, 11:44:15 PM
Maybe the lack of rotation is due to Dean not been too keen on the options. I'm pretty sure if our options were of a much higher quality we would see plenty of rotation.We should have bought another forward in January. When Watkins is struggling we have nothing else in reserve, and for 75% of the time El Ghazi, Traore and Trezeguet are utter shite.
No point in getting in a decent backup striker if Smith won't rotate his squad. Watkins has played every minute this season, it's obscene really.
He didn't rotate at all in the earlier part of the season and we are dealing with the consequences of that now. This MON esque approach and the recent Mike Bassett type comments about not believing in player fatigue (after 6 games in 18 games) would be laughed at if it were a Pulis or Bruce.
Guilbert and Hourihane were two perfectly acceptable backup players who were let go without getting much of a sniff. Now we are left with a 33 year old Elmo afraid to cross the half way line instead.
Post by: tomd2103 on March 12, 2021, 11:44:23 PM
I think it is pretty obvious that we are still having to rely on too many sub par players too often. If our wide positions are filled with two out of three of Trezeguet, El Ghazi and Traore then we are going to struggle to win games in the top flight. Add in Elmo and with Watkins having a shocker tonight and Ramsey struggling a bit, then we offer very little in the final third.
We defended OK until the latter stages and that's even with Mings being all over the place at times and being the only centre half to have been given a tough time by Joelinton since his arrival in this country.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 12, 2021, 11:44:32 PM
Not a dig at DS, who is the right man for the job, just an idle thought.
Post by: The Edge on March 12, 2021, 11:45:46 PM
Yep. We're on the same page
I agree we are crying out for full on wingers who get the ball and their first thought is to destroy his marker. It's an area where I think they will be looking to improve on in the summer.
I hope they do. Traore would seem to have the most chance of making it, but I wouldn't be at all upset if both Trez and El Ghazi were moved on.
Post by: SoccerHQ on March 12, 2021, 11:54:08 PM
I wonder how it affects team morale to have these undroppable, unsubable players like McGinn when the likes of Trez, AEG and Traore (bad as they sometimes are) go in knowing there's a fair chance that they'll be hooked.
Not a dig at DS, who is the right man for the job, just an idle thought.
I imagine there's huge respect in dressing room for likes of McGinn so don't think it would be personal issue. All managers have their favourites but yeah the world wouldn't end if McGinn was on the bench for a game or two whether that's in October or March.
Interesting seeing West Ham have had Bowen on bench for last couple of games. Generally done well for them but get the feeling if we'd signed him in last year he's another we'd have been playing every single minute of every game. Smart move by Moyes to keep him fresh just in case Antonio's hamstring goes again in the run in.
Tonight was ideal game for targetman striker to hold it up a bit better. We really struggle getting up the pitch when Jack isn't around so we simply need a decent one at least as a squad option next season.
Post by: mcgrath_85 on March 12, 2021, 11:54:25 PM
Garbage performance. We haven't put in a good 90 minutes for months. The midfield is all over the shop at the moment. Really poor quality football. The make up of the midfield 3 needs sorting out. Sanson should not have been on the bench for a very raw kid. McGinn and Luiz for me are a poor central two. Elmo can be put out to pasture now, shouldn't have loaned out Guilbert. Smith needs to wake up, the season is petering out and selecting any permutation of midfielders isn't working when it's the same formation every single fucking week.
Overall, another crap night.
Here here
Post by: brontebilly on March 13, 2021, 12:07:08 AM
I agree we are crying out for full on wingers who get the ball and their first thought is to destroy his marker. It's an area where I think they will be looking to improve on in the summer.
I hope they do. Traore would seem to have the most chance of making it, but I wouldn't be at all upset if both Trez and El Ghazi were moved on.
Even in his brief time on the pitch Traore was again absolutely useless. McGinn made a great run into the box at one stage, simple pass for Traore to make on his right foot to play him in but of course he turned onto his left and the chance was gone.
Post by: tomd2103 on March 13, 2021, 12:10:02 AM
I agree we are crying out for full on wingers who get the ball and their first thought is to destroy his marker. It's an area where I think they will be looking to improve on in the summer.
I hope they do. Traore would seem to have the most chance of making it, but I wouldn't be at all upset if both Trez and El Ghazi were moved on.
Agree Risso. I think if Grealish is going to stay with us next season then he will have to move into a central role as teams have worked out how to negate him on the left. I think, therefore, upgrades on Trezeguet and El Ghazi are needed. Both have contributed, but mainly getting on the end of things created by others. When the ball is given to them and the onus is on them to create something, they end up giving the ball away far too often. Both give away needless fouls away on a regular basis as well which is infuriating.
Traore has shown glimpses of real quality this season, but has been inconsistent.
Post by: robbo1874 on March 13, 2021, 12:17:32 AM
Just mistakes and giving the ball away all over the place. But it did seem for a little while we’d get a second goal. But credit to Newcastle for fighting it out for a point. It looks like they’re willing to fight for Bruce.
Post by: knowsleyvillain on March 13, 2021, 01:34:25 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 13, 2021, 06:18:17 AM
Smith does seem to go on these long runs of poor form.
It’s like we still have Bruce as manager.
Post by: PaulTheVillan on March 13, 2021, 07:46:38 AM
Post by: N'ZMAV on March 13, 2021, 07:47:25 AM
A few off days in the team doesn't help.
Mings couldn't handle Joelinton at all - which surprised me.
There's too much faffing around by the attacking midfield players - it's like they don't have the confidence in their ability to get the right pass at the time time, especially when playing it forward - perfectly summed up with that Barkley pass to Watkins; by the time Barkley released the ball Watkins was offside. It clearly needed playing straight away.
El Ghazi needs to improve his vision and decision making, he, similar to Trez;when they have time to think, it makes them worse. They need to be more impulsive.
Post by: N'ZMAV on March 13, 2021, 07:47:59 AM
Post by: Clampy on March 13, 2021, 08:08:03 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 13, 2021, 08:10:03 AM
Some thoughts on the team. Good solid back 5, although Mings was crap last night. Konsa is pure class. Really not sure on Dougie. For me he's had a poor season and Marvelous didn't deserve to get hooked after one bad performance. McGinn will always have a special place in our hearts but again, has he had a good season really? I'm not sure the deeper role suits him. Maybe I'm being overly harsh given the general uptick this season and the role they've both played in that. Gone a bit stale though.
Ramsey is a kid but he's anonymous. Doesn't do anything. Sanson has only had bitty roles but ditto. Thank God we didn't buy Barkley. Think he might still have a goal or two in him this season but he is not the long term answer at all. Agree with what someone said about AEG and Bert that they've done well finishing chances but don't create anything themselves. Trez is a bit of a cult hero in my crowd and was a vital cog in our flying start but he really doesn't do a lot very well. Watkins is great but needs competition and someone to take the burden.
Bit of a scathing assessment perhaps which I didn't think it would be when I started writing. Clearly the bulk of these players will be playing next season as well. Probably biggest priorities for me are another striker (back to Brentford for Toney?) and a wide player like Lookman.
Post by: mr underhill on March 13, 2021, 08:23:04 AM
Post by: richtheholtender on March 13, 2021, 08:43:08 AM
Post by: Risso on March 13, 2021, 08:55:09 AM
Coutinho from Barca and Ings from Southampton in the summer please. Both very much available and within budget would give us the options we need. At times this season (last night included) we’ve lacked creativity and an alternative to Ollie.
I don't think we'd be after somebody like Ings as good as he can be. He's 29 in the summer, and for what Southampton would want for him there has to be better value elsewhere.
Post by: Hookeysmith on March 13, 2021, 08:59:28 AM
Mcginn great championship player, simply not good enough to be prem regular. Clearly a favourite in the dressing room as he cannot be being picked on form.
Ollie has started to look really jaded and a lot of our troubles start when he does not holdthe ball to allow others to break.
Agree with others Trez and Anwar need replacing. At the moment i would not take Barclay for free.
And wtf has happened to our final 3rd balls, our crossing has become abysmal
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 13, 2021, 09:09:46 AM
Coutinho from Barca and Ings from Southampton in the summer please. Both very much available and within budget would give us the options we need. At times this season (last night included) we’ve lacked creativity and an alternative to Ollie.
I don't think we'd be after somebody like Ings as good as he can be. He's 29 in the summer, and for what Southampton would want for him there has to be better value elsewhere.
Injury prone as well
Post by: Mister E on March 13, 2021, 09:20:20 AM
Barkley coming on did not help.
Being without JG should not mean that we cannot win games: with better control of the ball and a crisper pass-and-move approach we'd have been home and hosed well before the end, against poor opposition.
Interestingly, this is what the Grauniad reported Smith as saying: “We didn’t deserve to win. It was a very scrappy game, we have a few players short on confidence and we’re not creating chances.” Why do we have a few players short on confidence FFS? And, why are you playing them if that is the case?!
Post by: richtheholtender on March 13, 2021, 09:22:56 AM
Coutinho from Barca and Ings from Southampton in the summer please. Both very much available and within budget would give us the options we need. At times this season (last night included) we’ve lacked creativity and an alternative to Ollie.
He’s only got 18 months left on his contract. He may well be cheaper than what his actual value is. He could easily do it for a couple of seasons. As for the injury prone view, he would come in to aid Ollie not replace him putting less stress on both of them. As a result both would be a lot sharper having been less reliant to play a full fixture schedule. I think it works but understand why others don’t and for what it’s worth I think he’ll be Vardys replacement at Leicester anyway.
I don't think we'd be after somebody like Ings as good as he can be. He's 29 in the summer, and for what Southampton would want for him there has to be better value elsewhere.
Post by: richtheholtender on March 13, 2021, 09:26:21 AM
Coutinho from Barca and Ings from Southampton in the summer please. Both very much available and within budget would give us the options we need. At times this season (last night included) we’ve lacked creativity and an alternative to Ollie.
I don't think we'd be after somebody like Ings as good as he can be. He's 29 in the summer, and for what Southampton would want for him there has to be better value elsewhere.
Injury prone as well
He’s only got 18 months left on his contract. He may well be cheaper than what his actual value is. He could easily do it for a couple of seasons. As for the injury prone view, he would come in to aid Ollie not replace him putting less stress on both of them. As a result both would be a lot sharper having been less reliant to play a full fixture schedule. I think it works but understand why others don’t and for what it’s worth I think he’ll be Vardys replacement at Leicester anyway.
Post by: richtheholtender on March 13, 2021, 09:27:43 AM
Post by: LukeJames on March 13, 2021, 09:30:17 AM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on March 13, 2021, 09:42:17 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 13, 2021, 09:48:31 AM
Having a nightmare with this. You get my point I will shut up
Yes fair points. Suppose we shouldn't really turn our noses up at likes of Ings when we're so short of goals right now.
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 13, 2021, 09:51:08 AM
This is not all about Jack, this form started when he was in the side, Brighton away was probably even worse than last night, we probably got a bit lucky against a Southampton side on the slide and Burnley away in the 2nd half has been well discussed.
We have a pattern of play involving two wide men and overlapping full backs, but no real alternative when either the opposition counter these tactics effectively or some of the players are out of form, low on confidence, e.g. el Ghazi, Trez and Traore. Actually for once smith tried something slightly different last night when he brought Trez off with el Ghazi being the only recognisable wide man.
It’s been poor viewing for the last 5 or 6 weeks, but I bet if you look back at any side who has finished between 8-10 in the premier over numerous years, they would of had runs of performances and results like this. It’s a bit shite at the moment after the highs of earlier in the season, but I had us optimistically penned for about 12th this season, so whilst not happy with how things are going, I’m still really optimistic about the future. Put everything in context, my 10 year old has seen us relegated, finish lower half championship, lose a play off final with Bruce conservatism and then escape relegation by the skin of our teeth last year. He was really fed up last night and moaning about what it’s like being a mid table side!!
Finally going forwards for the rest of this season. Smiths made a mistake playing Ramsey against Sheffield and Newcastle. Sanson gives us more. This won’t be popular on here, but after a dodgy first five mins, I thought Barkley did ok, whilst I wouldn’t buy him, if he can start performing for the last few games, with Grealish back, it might make all the difference.
Depending on Traores fitness, I’d consider playing him wide right cutting in.
Post by: olaftab on March 13, 2021, 09:51:51 AM
Having a nightmare with this. You get my point I will shut up:) and I am so pleased you are not in charge of our transfer policy.
Post by: olaftab on March 13, 2021, 10:16:41 AM
I agree we are crying out for full on wingers who get the ball and their first thought is to destroy his marker. It's an area where I think they will be looking to improve on in the summer.Yes but I think the problem is that these days they are all told to cut in rather head for the line or goal. This slows down everything and defender can face the ball coming in instead of facing the goal. I am sure this tactic is tried because it worked to a point but there is nothing like totally destroying a defence than full on runs from forwards.
Post by: mr underhill on March 13, 2021, 10:25:24 AM
Post by: N'ZMAV on March 13, 2021, 10:39:52 AM
Post by: Baldy on March 13, 2021, 10:52:31 AM
This recent run suggests we’ve been so reliant on just a handful on consistent performers with the hope a few of of the other players has a decent game. Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Grealish and Watkins are the ones who usually perform week in week out. Which, suggests to me the others need to be upgraded and they then turn into the subs.
This 100%. Apart from the seven mentioned, the others have got until the end of the season to prove their worth.
We have spent between 200m and 250m and have churned out rubbish for the last two months. Totally unacceptable.
We clearly have excellent 'defensive' coaches. Do we even have an 'attacking' coach? >:(
Post by: Dr_Fegg on March 13, 2021, 11:11:33 AM
I agree we are crying out for full on wingers who get the ball and their first thought is to destroy his marker. It's an area where I think they will be looking to improve on in the summer.Yes but I think the problem is that these days they are all told to cut in rather head for the line or goal. This slows down everything and defender can face the ball coming in instead of facing the goal. I am sure this tactic is tried because it worked to a point but there is nothing like totally destroying a defence than full on runs from forwards.
I was just going to post something similar.
I noticed on several occasions McGinn and Traore almost bumping into each other with their desire to get it back onto their left foot and when both "wingers" (they arent really but best word i can find) cut in it makes the defences job a doddle.
The full back know whats coming so arent looking to defend wide and the centre halfs know itll just get congested and easier.
As a "radical" idea why not play Tarore on the left and make him use his left to be more destructive. I think he might run at them a little more if its always on his best side. If nothing else defenders will have 2 things to worry about.
Although ive no idea who to play down the RH side....
and some of the goals weve scored this year is when weve got to the byline and cut it back into the middle
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 13, 2021, 11:15:22 AM
Post by: Dr_Fegg on March 13, 2021, 11:21:09 AM
A 10 minute cameo of utter shite. Gave it away in dangerous areas (again, just like the last game when he "passed" it to Mings) then stood around having a hissy fit instead of chasing back.
Oxygen theif.
Should never feature for Villa again, just a waste of a squad number.
I wonder if Luiz and McGinn would be better further forward and have Nakamba in as the defensive midfielder?
Post by: Whiney MacWhineface on March 13, 2021, 11:33:11 AM
Post by: andyh on March 13, 2021, 11:49:22 AM
We are way off form, Jack missing is the main issue but other players performances have dipped for what ever reason. McGinn who was quite good overall didn’t do the right things when needed often enough. We need two quality midfielders and an additional quality striker to add to the squad if we are to push on. Konsa is a top defender and should get a call up for England.I think you have answered your own question.
Jack is an exceptional talent.
When he plays he makes ordinary players play better. When he doesn’t play, ordinary players play like ordinary players.
Post by: martyn ellis on March 13, 2021, 12:01:48 PM
Post by: Allan C on March 13, 2021, 12:07:57 PM
Yes I totally agree with this. A prime example is Watkins who clearly needs a restMaybe the lack of rotation is due to Dean not been too keen on the options. I'm pretty sure if our options were of a much higher quality we would see plenty of rotation.We should have bought another forward in January. When Watkins is struggling we have nothing else in reserve, and for 75% of the time El Ghazi, Traore and Trezeguet are utter shite.
No point in getting in a decent backup striker if Smith won't rotate his squad. Watkins has played every minute this season, it's obscene really.
Post by: Allan C on March 13, 2021, 12:21:53 PM
Whilst I agree with you on this, who would you replace McGinn with???I wonder how it affects team morale to have these undroppable, unsubable players like McGinn when the likes of Trez, AEG and Traore (bad as they sometimes are) go in knowing there's a fair chance that they'll be hooked.
Not a dig at DS, who is the right man for the job, just an idle thought.
I imagine there's huge respect in dressing room for likes of McGinn so don't think it would be personal issue. All managers have their favourites but yeah the world wouldn't end if McGinn was on the bench for a game or two whether that's in October or March.
Interesting seeing West Ham have had Bowen on bench for last couple of games. Generally done well for them but get the feeling if we'd signed him in last year he's another we'd have been playing every single minute of every game. Smart move by Moyes to keep him fresh just in case Antonio's hamstring goes again in the run in.
Tonight was ideal game for targetman striker to hold it up a bit better. We really struggle getting up the pitch when Jack isn't around so we simply need a decent one at least as a squad option next season.
Post by: Allan C on March 13, 2021, 12:34:15 PM
That’s the gamble though, Ings may well make the difference for two seasons and see us progressing into top four positions. Would that be worth the money long term?? He may not but then a “better value” player from Brentford etc may not be eitherCoutinho from Barca and Ings from Southampton in the summer please. Both very much available and within budget would give us the options we need. At times this season (last night included) we’ve lacked creativity and an alternative to Ollie.
I don't think we'd be after somebody like Ings as good as he can be. He's 29 in the summer, and for what Southampton would want for him there has to be better value elsewhere.
Post by: N'ZMAV on March 13, 2021, 12:37:59 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 13, 2021, 02:37:08 PM
This isn't a dig - what is Ramsey good at? what's the main part of his game? I don't watch the u23's etc
I haven't seen much from him. That could be me being thick, but he seems miles away to me.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 13, 2021, 02:40:20 PM
I agree we are crying out for full on wingers who get the ball and their first thought is to destroy his marker. It's an area where I think they will be looking to improve on in the summer.Yes but I think the problem is that these days they are all told to cut in rather head for the line or goal. This slows down everything and defender can face the ball coming in instead of facing the goal. I am sure this tactic is tried because it worked to a point but there is nothing like totally destroying a defence than full on runs from forwards.
I was just going to post something similar.
I noticed on several occasions McGinn and Traore almost bumping into each other with their desire to get it back onto their left foot and when both "wingers" (they arent really but best word i can find) cut in it makes the defences job a doddle.
The full back know whats coming so arent looking to defend wide and the centre halfs know itll just get congested and easier.
As a "radical" idea why not play Tarore on the left and make him use his left to be more destructive. I think he might run at them a little more if its always on his best side. If nothing else defenders will have 2 things to worry about.
Although ive no idea who to play down the RH side....
and some of the goals weve scored this year is when weve got to the byline and cut it back into the middle
See also our wingers, when in dangerous situations, laying it off to the fullback to then put in an unlikely cross for a comparatively diminutive Watkins to challenge a couple of brick shithouse centre halves for when a shot at goal was an option. Drives me mad.
Post by: Neil Hawkes on March 13, 2021, 03:31:17 PM
When (if ever), Wes is back, I would hope to see a front three of Ollie, Wes & Jack.
Traore will be an impact sub if the front three above are not working out.
AEG & Trez will probably be upgraded in the Summer, hopefully as a priority.
Sanson will be good when he is up to speed, he is not that far off the pace now.
When Sanson is playing better, then McGinn will improve instead of providing cover everywhere, which is impacting his game.
Dougie is off the boil, hopefully will return to form soon.
Defence is sorted, provided all fit, need cover for all the back four.
All above based on the last few games & especially last night.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 13, 2021, 04:05:57 PM
Post by: The Edge on March 13, 2021, 04:36:44 PM
With Matty Cash in the team, that last cross does not even get made, he would have closed the man down. Also Traore will also improve with Matty Cash back, Elmo does not have the legs anymore.That's a good assessment and pretty much how I see things. We weren't utter garbage or utter shite or any of those things that were bandied around last night. We weren't great but any away point is hard earned in the Premier league. We're missing a couple of our top players and it's affecting us badly but things will improve. There's areas where obvious improvement is needed and I'm confident they will be sorted. We have so much to thank the owners for and as fans we need to hold our nerve, enjoy the ride and look forward to the future with a great deal of optimism. Rome wasn't built in a day.
When (if ever), Wes is back, I would hope to see a front three of Ollie, Wes & Jack.
Traore will be an impact sub if the front three above are not working out.
AEG & Trez will probably be upgraded in the Summer, hopefully as a priority.
Sanson will be good when he is up to speed, he is not that far off the pace now.
When Sanson is playing better, then McGinn will improve instead of providing cover everywhere, which is impacting his game.
Dougie is off the boil, hopefully will return to form soon.
Defence is sorted, provided all fit, need cover for all the back four.
All above based on the last few games & especially last night.
Post by: ROBBO on March 14, 2021, 12:23:20 AM
Post by: Allan C on March 14, 2021, 08:45:31 AM
He’s only in there because of injuries and loss of form of others. His introduction was going well coming on from the bench. He’ll be fine next seasonThis isn't a dig - what is Ramsey good at? what's the main part of his game? I don't watch the u23's etc
I haven't seen much from him. That could be me being thick, but he seems miles away to me.
Post by: Hookeysmith on March 14, 2021, 11:52:31 AM
We experienced mass recruitment our first year here, that nearly caught us out, but 2 years on now we have the nucleus of a pretty decent top half premiership team. It is this close season where the recruitment team will really earn thier money getting better players in to the first team.
Instead of 100 million on 6/7 players we need that type of spend on 3.
I hope Barclay is not one of them but it is that sort of pedigree that is needed
Post by: olaftab on March 14, 2021, 12:02:11 PM
Didn't realise Barkley had signed for Newcastle, though admittedly he was pretty poor for them too.<<like>>
Post by: Ian. on March 14, 2021, 12:11:24 PM
That’s so naughty, I nearly spat my coffee out!Didn't realise Barkley had signed for Newcastle, though admittedly he was pretty poor for them too.<<like>>
Post by: steamer on March 14, 2021, 01:07:17 PM
Its not just us that blows hot and cold. Everton are being just as inconsistent after a great start. Southampton were on top of the league at one point and liverpool have gone to pieces.spot on
We experienced mass recruitment our first year here, that nearly caught us out, but 2 years on now we have the nucleus of a pretty decent top half premiership team. It is this close season where the recruitment team will really earn thier money getting better players in to the first team.
Instead of 100 million on 6/7 players we need that type of spend on 3.
I hope Barclay is not one of them but it is that sort of pedigree that is needed
Post by: Risso on March 14, 2021, 09:09:16 PM
That’s the gamble though, Ings may well make the difference for two seasons and see us progressing into top four positions. Would that be worth the money long term?? He may not but then a “better value” player from Brentford etc may not be eitherCoutinho from Barca and Ings from Southampton in the summer please. Both very much available and within budget would give us the options we need. At times this season (last night included) we’ve lacked creativity and an alternative to Ollie.
I don't think we'd be after somebody like Ings as good as he can be. He's 29 in the summer, and for what Southampton would want for him there has to be better value elsewhere.
Fair points, but paying top dollar for players who are nearly 30 doesn't seem to be the way the club are going about things, so I'd be amazed to see Ings or anybody of a similar age joining.
Post by: TelfordVilla on March 14, 2021, 09:16:53 PM
Post by: Smithy on March 15, 2021, 02:24:17 PM
Post by: brontebilly on March 15, 2021, 03:15:57 PM
Post by: LeeB on March 15, 2021, 03:35:22 PM
Would there be any hope of us getting the ex Blues kid Bellingham back from them? You can't fault the Dortmund model, they obviously give these talented kids an assurance that they will get a lot of game time.
It would be expensive but worth it, not for footballing reasons but simply to snap up a player they'd retired a shirt in honour of before he's out of his teens.
I'd also make him clean Grealish's boots for a year to cleanse his soul.
Post by: Damo70 on March 15, 2021, 05:37:07 PM
Post by: Ads on March 15, 2021, 05:39:51 PM
Post by: fredm on March 15, 2021, 08:29:13 PM
Post by: Risso on March 15, 2021, 09:04:04 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on March 15, 2021, 10:31:18 PM
Post by: PeterWithe on March 16, 2021, 04:03:23 PM
According to reports he is one of the main players who they have running the show on the field in the Bundesliga (sp?) and Champs League. Would think they would want big money for him to return to England.
He's been playing well but has been used sparingly, they have a few good players for the holding role. He's getting better with every game and I think he's only just turned 18.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 16, 2021, 04:05:32 PM
Isn't he a defensive midfielder?
He soon would be if he joined us.
Post by: dcdavecollett on March 18, 2021, 01:02:36 AM
We started brightly, but that soon faded. Targett and Konsa were the stand-out defenders; Mingsy was having one of his 'walkabout' games.
Midfield was intermittent. Ramsey took the safe option too many times; Sanson looked neat when he came on.
What a prize balls-up that was when we had a three-on-one near the end. WHY did McGinn pass to the (inexcusably) offside Ollie?!
Even later, why was AEG's shot as weak as a back-pass? Why did AEG give the ball away so easily when even an Allardyce-style big boot probably meant three points?
So many questions, so few answers?