Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Toronto Villa on January 30, 2021, 11:03:47 PM
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At the start of the season most if not all us would have been delighted if we finished around 12th and just never involved ourselves in the relegation conversation. We moved on a couple of players and brought in an untried but promising striker from Brentford, a Championship right back, the Arsenal back up keeper, a winger with an iffy reputation in France and a central midfielder from Chelsea who had lost his way. Yet after 19 league games we sit in 8th position, 3 points off 5th spot with a game in hand against a West Ham team we will play very soon.
In those 19 games we have only conceded 21 goals. In three games; Leeds, Southampton and Burnley we conceded 10 of those goals. So in the other 16 we conceded 11. That's absolutely remarkable when you consider we conceded 67 goals last season. A big reason is our keeper who is the signing of the summer for all teams in my opinion. The confidence he brings let alone the pure ability has made a defence that was already getting better even better.
After 19 games we have scored 34 goals. We scored 41 goals all of last season. We score goals now from every position. You cannot simply mark Jack out of the game as he will bring in other players just by his presence.
My ratings for the main players:
Emi Martinez - 8.5 - Has made very few errors this season. There has been very few times he has been out of position. He doesn't drop anything (ok, maybe that one at Fulham) but his hands are very sure. He is brilliant at crosses and his distribution is just first class. His presence gives everyone so much confidence.
Matty Cash - 7.5 - has played way above expectations. Incredibly brave. Defends really well and gets forward too. Still learning the game and will need to improve his positioning but the chemistry he has with Konsa on that side will only improve.
Matt Targett - 8 - Most improved player at the club. A player that looked so uncomfortable with the expectations of being a first choice PL LB but has grown into that role so well. Again brave but what's been most impressive is his positioning to stay with top quality wide players. It's rare any more to see him get beaten one on one.
Ezri Konsa - 8.5 - Like Emi just so confident and assured. He makes the game look easy because of his awareness. Almost never gets beaten one on one and is the perfect foil for his CB partner who is more all action but prone to the odd error. But Konsa is only going to get better.
Tyrone Mings - 7.5 - Probably a victim of how high we regard him and the way he commanded everything in the Championship. We all think he should be better but in truth he's very good now. Yes he can make the odd error and those errors have led to us getting into trouble or conceding goals. But lets not dismiss the influence his brings to that defence and when he's on his game, he's still a very dominant player.
Douglas Luiz - 7 - Very unsung and does a lot of unnoticed work. He probably doesn't get the credit his work deserves and he's not scored any of those spectacular goals because he plays in a deeper position. But he's been critical to our defensive record and his reliability allows our attacking players to have the confidence to get forward.
John McGinn - 7 - Has blown hot and cold. When he's on, he's very good, but he's had games where he has not really imposed himself. We all love SJM but I think he is most at risk with the arrival of Sanson.
Ross Barkley - 7 - I can’t give him a higher rating than this...yet but his ceiling is much higher. Much will depend on his ability to stay fit. A concern he’s carried with him throughout his career. But the chemistry he already has with Jack and Ollie and the moments he produces suggest that we might still see the player that broke on to the scene with Everton turn into a consistently high performer in the PL. He gets into a lot of excellent positions and knits that space between Douglas and Jack very well while SJM does the clean up around him. We’ve not seen his best. Just glimpses. But those glimpses are pretty good.
Bertrand Traore/AEG/Trezeguet - I'm going to group them together and give them a collective 7 - They have all contributed in some way. Trez was very unlucky to get injured. While he didn't have the goals his workrate was incredible prior to the injury. AEG was a player on the outside looking in, but then got his chance and should have been voted the best player in the league in December. Unfortunately like Trez another one who got so unlucky, this time with Covid and he's not got back in. But made a brilliant contribution with some big goals. As for Bert, a player that makes you tear your last hairs out or stand up and applaud with some of things he does that others just don't think of. His goals have been so important and some of them just incredible. For me, the right player to be starting because he is so imaginative and unpredictable and always a threat going forward. His defending is getting better too.
Jack - 9.5 - I'm not giving him a 10 because he hasn't been perfect, but goodness me it's come close in many, many games. Effortlessly floats on the pitch. Drags defenders out of position. Great quick feet, a mind that is 2 chess moves ahead of his opponent. Very arguably the best player in the league this year and one of the best in Europe. Needs to add a few more goals to his game but what he does in assists and just chances created is so very impressive. Not one defender wants to face him one on one so it usually takes 2 or 3 and that's a huge compliment.
Ollie Watkins - 8 - A young lad leading the line in his first PL season. 10 goals this season in all competition is a great return at the half way point and he is only getting better. It should be a lot more. But for some dodgy VAR decisions, some bad luck, and some poor finishing he could easily have 15 which would be a sensational return. Works so hard all game, never gives the defence a moments rest. Plays with a smile and wonderful attitude.
Dean Smith and coaching staff - 9 - what a turnaround. I wanted him gone last year and I couldn't have been proven any more wrong. And the thing is he is still learning, improving and making mistakes that he will reflect on and come back even better. Our recruitment has been good to support him also but he's made a side that were nailed on to go down at the Covid break into a challenger for a Europa position in the space of 9 or so months. It's just unbelieveable.
All in all, I would say 8.5/10 or B+ rating. It's been very good indeed so far but we have a way to go and room to improve. By average age the youngest squad in the league which is also amazing given that we came up with one of the oldest. It's going to fun to see how we continue to grow and mature.
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Nice one. Not much to argue with there.
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No Barkley TV?
Can't argue with your marks. The recruitment also deserves a high mark too. The club is on the up in just about every single department and it's exciting to watch. We play a nice brand of football and like any up and coming team, show a bit of naivety at times, but whilst a bit frustrating at times, is also fun to watch. I think many of the players are still improving and others will need to be replaced with extra quality further down the road. The owners are amazing too.
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Shit forgot Ross. Will add
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10s all round. Expect them to go up to 11 by the end of May.
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Martinez - 9 Brilliant signing, and a huge impact on the defence and results in general.
Cash - 7.5 Good start to his career, doesn’t look out of place at all
Konsa - 8 Cool, calm and collected. England call up soon.
Mings - 7 Mostly great, still needs to cut mistakes
Targett - 9 Most improved player at the club, defensively rock solid, links well with Jack, up and down the wing like a locomotive.
McGinn - 6 A more disciplined role for him, some nice passes but still not 100% of what he’s capable of.
Luiz - 7 Another not quite at his best but still very good
Traore - 8 with the ball, 4 without it.
Barkley -7 Important goals but capable of a lot more.
Grealish - 10 Best player in the league. Best player we’ve ever had.
Watkins - 8.5 Super start to his PL career, and only going to get better.
El Ghazi/Trez A collective 7
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Nice work TV. Agree with every word and rating.
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After last season it's been a breath of fresh air to see this team in action. It's an A minus from me with Jack Grealish now firmly entrenched as one of the top players in the league. Aim should now be for 60 - 65 points.
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Excellent analysis TV, agree 100%.
Would add that we have become a lot more streetwise. One example of many is kicking the ball away when we commit a foul. We don't kick it too far to warrant a booking but far enough to give us a few seconds extra to re-group. Another is feigning injury. Top teams have done it for years and created their own Basketball like 'time outs' when backs against the wall. I think this has the John Terry influence written all over it.
I also think Deano has taken a leaf out of the Alex Ferguson book. His outburst after the Man City game was exactly what we needed. Doesn't go unnoticed by referees, only a small fine and makes referees think twice about giving every tight decision against us. Ferguson did it for years, was the master of histrionics and Man Utd certainly gained. Who knows, we might have gained already against Southampton yesterday.
Overall, my half time report gives an A+. :)
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Spot on assessments.
For what it's worth, I have a feeling in my bones that Morgan Sanson will have a big part to play in the second half of the season.
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10s all round. Expect them to go up to 11 by the end of May.
Shouldn't be a problem for McGinn with his Big Bottom.
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Well they have all exceeded my expectations.
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Martinez: 8 Generally been one of the best in the League but needs to dominate more at crosses.
Cash: 8 He has surprised me by being as good as he is.
Konsa: 9 Very very impressed with this young man, Going to be a legend.
Mings: 5 I am disappointed in him. Been the source of most of our defensive problems.
Targett: 8 I thought he was the biggest weakness in defence at the start. Totally proved me wrong.
Luiz: 8 Much much better than last season and improving everyday once he learns to shoot again.
McGinn: 5 Low score because he is yet to sparkle.
Barkley: 6 Could be great but so far I am not impressed.
Traore: 7 Pure talent and despite his obvious weakness we need flare on the pitch.
Grealish: 10 Nothing to say.
Watkins: 8 Great attitude. Will carry on improving.
Mahmoud Hassan: 7 An honest a professional as we have ever had. Reliable despite being a little short of talent at this level.
El Ghazi: 6 Frustrating. Comes and goes in bursts. May be that's his best use.
Jacob Ramsey: 6 Keep him in and around please.
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A spot-on opening post.
I'm really pleased with what has happened so far. No reason why we shouldn't aim for another thirty points in the second half of the season, injuries permitting.
Yes, we're inconsistent, still prone to costly individual errors and collective bad days at the office. However, when we click, we are a joy to watch and the sense of collective purpose is self-evident.
I guess the only clouds on the horizon are the continued speculation surrounding Jack and the prospect of Europa League qualification. As far as the second is concerned, I'd rather not have an autumn of Thursday nights playing unpronounceable names from the Hungarian and Belorussian top flight to the detriment of kicking on again domestically. Let the likes of West Ham or Everton have that "privilege".
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Martinez: 8 Generally been one of the best in the League but needs to dominate more at crosses.
Cash: 8 He has surprised me by being as good as he is.
Konsa: 9 Very very impressed with this young man, Going to be a legend.
Mings: 5 I am disappointed in him. Been the source of most of our defensive problems.
Targett: 8 I thought he was the biggest weakness in defence at the start. Totally proved me wrong.
Luiz: 8 Much much better than last season and improving everyday once he learns to shoot again.
McGinn: 5 Low score because he is yet to sparkle.
Barkley: 6 Could be great but so far I am not impressed.
Traore: 7 Pure talent and despite his obvious weakness we need flare on the pitch.
Grealish: 10 Nothing to say.
Watkins: 8 Great attitude. Will carry on improving.
Mahmoud Hassan: 7 An honest a professional as we have ever had. Reliable despite being a little short of talent at this level.
El Ghazi: 6 Frustrating. Comes and goes in bursts. May be that's his best use.
Jacob Ramsey: 6 Keep him in and around please.
I don’t know how you can mark Mings so low when he’s an integral part of a defensive unit that’s kept 10 clean sheets.
Yes, he’s dropped a few clangers, but the positive side of his game far out weighs those.
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Fair assessment TV couldn’t fault any of your marks, VG
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We are ahead of where I thought we would be, I think this team should be higher based on performances and opportunities. We need to develop a ruthlessness to get the maximum out of this group.
Love watching us play,the best football for a longtime and long May that continue.
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My report: everyone's great and I fucking love the Villa.
Also Jack can have my bone marrow if he wants.
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We are ahead of where I thought we would be, I think this team should be higher based on performances and opportunities. We need to develop a ruthlessness to get the maximum out of this group.
Love watching us play,the best football for a longtime and long May that continue.
Agree and it feels like we have almost taken two steps forward from last season. The home game against Leeds aside, I can't think of one game where we haven't been in with a chance of winning it and I think the fact had we beaten Burnley twice (as we really should have), we would be 5th and level on points with Liverpool in 4th shows how well we have done.
Yes, the squad is still light and a few injuries could impact on us in the second half of the season, bug there looks to be a really good team spirit at the club and some of the football has been sublime.
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Spot on assessments.
For what it's worth, I have a feeling in my bones that Morgan Sanson will have a big part to play in the second half of the season.
I think it’s a very shrewd signing. He will be able to replace any one of our current midfield three. Last year the drop off in quality to the bench players was a lot. Now in certain positions it has closed considerably. That has to be our goal as a club in signing players or bringing them through. Kind of the old cliche of having two good players at every position. We are still short in that regard in a few spots.
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Spot on assessments.
For what it's worth, I have a feeling in my bones that Morgan Sanson will have a big part to play in the second half of the season.
I think it’s a very shrewd signing. He will be able to replace any one of our current midfield three. Last year the drop off in quality to the bench players was a lot. Now in certain positions it has closed considerably. That has to be our goal as a club in signing players or bringing them through. Kind of the old cliche of having two good players at every position. We are still short in that regard in a few spots.
Agree TV and I think that is the main issue we will need to address in the summer if we can keep this current group together.
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Going to stick my neck out and say I haven't enjoyed a season this much since the 1990s.
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I agree with nigel that Tyrone has been undermarked. The numbers do not lie. He does make rickets as all centre backs do these days as their function is expected to be far more creative in the present game. He is also the de facto captain and fills that role very well.
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I've loved what we've done on the pitch so far, miles beyond my expecations in September. I've pretty much enjoyed every game bar probably Leeds and first half of Southampton as we've gone for teams and been in pretty much all the others even if we've lost e.g. the two games in Manchester.
Shame with what happened in FA cup as we could've had a decent run in that but will have to wait for next season.
This to me is the closest type of season to 95/96 as the MON years always felt more of a quick fix nature whereas this time we've really had to build slowly from a very tough period in our history.
The only disappointment is no one can see this stuff live home and away. It has to be done of course but still a flat feeling to the games when we score and you don't get the great scenes of jumping into the crowd to celebrate as we'd have had after many goals home and away this season (can still remember Luiz diving into the Holte after his Watford goal last season).
Just hope it's not too long into next season until we get the chance to watch in great numbers again.
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Mings being the Senior defender has come in for a fair amount of stick. You can still see he is so talented.
SJM - he's getting found out and he has returned injured. Hard thing at this level.
Ross - I don't expect anything more from him than what he is producing. Can he rise any higher I'm not sure.
Watkins /Cash/Konsa will only get better.
Targett - looks the part expect against the very best
Cash find of the season
Martinez - up there with Bozzie for me not yet at Jimmy's level but there is time
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Konsa and Targett particularly are unrecognisable from the players last season.
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Emi Martinez - 8. From the penalty save Vs Sheff Utd in his first match and the saves made v Southampton in the 19th he's been fantastic Super at saving shot far out or on one on ones. Has earned us extra points by being the safe hands in nets. Kept 10 clean sheets in 19 games. Best goal keeper in the league
Matty Cash - 6.5. a would be solid 7 but blots his copybook for me having received 5 yellow cards and being suspended this season. Thus indicates the room for improvement.
Has improved as season gone on and will only get better. Determined defender and offers a lot in attacking sense which needs to be shown more second half of season. Promising. Love his commited defending if not a bit misguided with the aggression.
Matt Targett - 7.5 Seen him step up and be far more professional on pitch attitude playing ,90 mins 18 of 19 matches and only coming off for fatigue (sorry Deano) in the other. Far more able to stay on pitch this season.. Developed his attacking instinct to overlap effectively. (3 assists) Defensively the concerns have eased , has improved his ability in interception and making better decisions for tackles. 10 clean sheets and near ever present and much improved managed to keep discipline on 4 yellows and avoided suspension.
Ezri Konsa - 7.5 Best English central defender this season when playing. Continues too be oh so composed on the ball and ability to read the play and defend superb. 2 goals this season and would be higher rated had he played all 19 matches. Will be England international as been calling him this for a long time. Part of a defense with Mings that the best English players partnership at club level.
Tyrone Mings - 7 Heroic blocking and vocal leadership. He can be heard each match he plays Mings has inspired the defence at times despite mishaps feel he has confidence to play at own pace.
Has been a decent threat at set pieces (2 Goals in 17 and half matches) more could have been scored.
Has been in the main solid. 9 clean sheets.
Marked down: Sending off v Palace was disappointing.
Hause 7. Superb and solid when playing. 3 clean sheets out of 4 matches Inspired defending Vs Chelsea too in which conceded. Solid understudy.
Douglas Luiz - 6.5 Marked down from 7 after sending off v Wolves. Lovely footballer , controlled in possession but can become casual. Class act though and has ability. I think he's been excellent in understanding his role if not a bit jaded and exposed at times.
John McGinn - 6.5 Marked down after 5 yellow cards. Thus liability to be suspended. Continued discipline issue needs to be worked on better controlled agression. Showed outstanding quality in some matches Vs Chelsea , Fulham , WBA, Liverpool and Arsenal. Super at times. Still best scotch midfielder in league. The international Vs England will show that in the summer. Quality attitude in his desire for Villa I hope he improves yet fearful he's a fall guy to Sanson on abilities.
Marvelous Nakamba 6 ok understudy played small part so far and in matches against weaker teams. Feel he will be someone who may be upgraded or a player who knows his place in squad reliable so far if not basic
Ross Barkley - 7 Scored some key goals and offers quality and athleticism. Will improve once fully fit again. Brilliant goals v Leicester and Southampton. 3 goals scored in total of 9 matches + 5 mins Vs Brighton shows hes central attacking midfielder qualitiy and what he's been brought in for. Class player more to come second half season.
Bertrand Traore 7. Scored 4 goals in 6 matches. Has assist potential must improve defensive aspect but focus as an attacker has excellent quality and fun to watch.
AEG 7. After 8 shots Vs burnley at home and failing to deliver he really stepped up. Scoring 2 v WBA .Admirable. lovely spell of 5 goals in 5 matches . Superb in way he disapatched the pen v Wolves in last minute. Marked at 7 as a deserving player of the month nomination
Trezeguet 6. Real team player. Knows his responsibility and tireless. Would be a higher mark if he had scored the chances handed to him. Great squad player pushes for first team start in what he can bring. But no goals this season and less matches mean he's on a lower mark for half way stage.
Jack - 8.5 Best English midfielder and most influential to our great team. It would be higher if he took pens and scored more goals. Cant fault the assists as that's down to his team mates. Unplayable at times and unbelievable to watch.
Pushing on with effective end product of goals scored and releasing passes at right time to me would see 9 out of 10. As would less yellow cards. For me has aspects that need improving. Passionate and petulant rather than aggressive must monitor this side of things for discipline both on and off field. Fantastic with ball at his feet would not swap him for any other premier league player in his position. Hoping he goes on to show World class level and progression by winning matches and scoring that worldy maradonna type goal we are all waiting on (it's coming!) Second half of season hope he continues with his brilliant creative play, his mesmeric play and please a few more goals! Best performer and best player to watch . Super Jack just gets better!
Ollie Watkins - 8 would be higher if he had matched his expected goals. He's played every minute and has scored 8 goals in 19 league games. Tirelessly works for team. Great attitude. Developing all the time and with 10 overall goals going for 20 overall goals by season end with bit of luck. In the remaining 19 matches he should be 'leveling off' XG and is around 3 behind so indicators are more goals to come
Brilliant so far!
Team overall 8/10
Dean Smith best English manager . Deserved manager of the month!
Jack Grealish best performer in league , Best English player.
Most entertaining player
Konsa and Mings best two English defenders in partnership in league.
McGinn best Scottish Midfielder in league
Martinez best goal keeper in the league.
Aston Villa most improved team
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It's a nice change to not have deadwood players around the club anymore. Weve got grafters now.
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I don't normally take much notice in things like player ratings but Footy knocking off marks for players getting booked is odd. It's inevitable that players to get bookings really, especially for midfielders.
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I don't normally take much notice in things like player ratings but Footy knocking off marks for players getting booked is odd. It's inevitable that players to get bookings really, especially for midfielders.
To be fair it was for cumulative bookings and not just one offs. I think the point he’s trying to make is the one between assertive and aggressive play. I personally don’t agree with him but each to their own and I can see what he was trying to get at.
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I thought Footy is being a bit stingy with his marks, I’d give Martinez a 10 and Target and Konsa a 9 with Mings and Cash being a solid 8. Our defensive record has been pretty exceptional.
Jack definitely gets a 10. What a player and even when slightly off the pace still creates something in a game, normally at least two a game.
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Footy is the L’Equipe player rater of H and V.
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Jack - 8.5 Best English midfielder and most influential to our great team. It would be higher if he took pens and scored more goals. Cant fault the assists as that's down to his team mates. Unplayable at times and unbelievable to watch.
Pushing on with effective end product of goals scored and releasing passes at right time to me would see 9 out of 10. As would less yellow cards. For me has aspects that need improving. Passionate and petulant rather than aggressive must monitor this side of things for discipline both on and off field. Fantastic with ball at his feet would not swap him for any other premier league player in his position. Hoping he goes on to show World class level and progression by winning matches and scoring that worldy maradonna type goal we are all waiting on (it's coming!) Second half of season hope he continues with his brilliant creative play, his mesmeric play and please a few more goals! Best performer and best player to watch . Super Jack just gets better!
Generally agree with your assessments, but one thing that I think Jack gets harshly criticised for is his supposed lack of goals. He's a skillful winger. If you look at, say, Stanley Matthews - he rarely scored more than 3 or 4 goals in a season. Yet I doubt anyone would question that he was one of the greatest footballers England has ever produced.
In the Premier League, Jack's roughly speaking been a 8-10 goal a season player for league games only, or 10-12 if you include cup games. That's on a par with Matthews best season, and significantly more than the season he won the Ballon d'Or (4 goals in 37 games iirc).
I use Matthews as example because, watching highlights clips of him, he looks a very similar player to me (albeit on the other wing and somewhat handicapped by the heavier ball).
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I dont care who scores as long as we score more than them.
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The problem I have with this is I can only think of 1-2 tackles each from Cash, McGinn or Luiz that were yellow card worthy and I can't think of any games where any of them were giving away fouls regularly. Most of the bookings, in my opinion, have been because we're competitive and referees are just a bit too happy to go to the pocket if you press and niggle like we do despite us rarely committing dangerous fouls.
McGinn has been very unlucky, he only committed 16 fouls all season and has got 5 yellow cards from it compared to, for example, Hojbjerg who has 4 yellows from 40 fouls or Soucek with 3 from 38. Cash is similar to McGinn, 5 yellow cards for 23 fouls. Targett is probably the worst though, 4 yellows cards having conceded 11 free kicks all season.
The number of bookings makes us look a much dirtier team than we really are and mean we've had a rough time time with suspensions that isn't deserved.
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I thought Footy is being a bit stingy with his marks, I’d give Martinez a 10 and Target and Konsa a 9 with Mings and Cash being a solid 8. Our defensive record has been pretty exceptional.
Jack definitely gets a 10. What a player and even when slightly off the pace still creates something in a game, normally at least two a game.
So for me I mark down Cash and McGinn for putting themselves at suspension. And for all their good play it's an area that's room for improvement for both of them.
Besides it's a matter of personal choice how one wants to evaluate and judge a players half term performance. The rest of squad ratings based on overall matches played by each and contributions to the outcomes
I could never give a 10 to someone because that would be quite staggering for me to see such high numbers and levels by a player. But I can certainly understand people judge differently and rate by numbers according to own metrics , observations and measures.
I respect your figures and ratings. I can't go as so high as see this as a team and players that are still learning and
developing. Great half season though. Fantastic!
Ain’t it just! It’s so far so good and great fun to watch.