Zonal Marking

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I accepted this season as a transitional one, by that I thought 10th - 12th, not fighting fucking relegation.

I don't think the teams in those positions can be completely happy that they are safe from the drop.

I would imagine that the likes of Everton and Fulham are a damn sight happier than us.

[VillaZogmariner]

I hope we're better next season, but unfortunately that's all it is - hope!

I can see where he adds value thus far (good transfer dealings and improved style of play) but what he seems to lack is that competitive edge and motivational skill needed.  I look forward to more of his signings and more good football next season, but I think we'll get that and be using the word 'underachieved' a lot.

I wonder how much of it is down to the players though.

He's got rid of Carew/Ireland already who he clearly didn't like, and with Warnock/Beye on the sidelines for their piss poor attitude he's making a stand.

However I also think the likes of Friedel, Petrov, NRC, and Dunne have a fair idea that they too will be on the way in the Summer.

Now I'm not saying that they are all that unprofessional that they aren't going to put the effort in, but at the same time I wonder if they think it's worth busting a gut and risking an injury for the team.

[Dave P]

We are in a right 2 and 8 this season but at least the manager knows it.  Concentrate on stopping up and then go for honours next season (e.g. Darren Bent can play for us in the FA Cup next season).

As January proved, for the first time in ages we have a manager who I trust in the transfer market and I think we will see the biggest upheaval in our squad since BFR in 1991.  Two years after that we were challenging for the league and the year after that we won a cup.

With reference to Zonal marking, I dont think we should change it now for the reasons Houllier has stated.  However the short term coaching has to improve as we cant afford to leak goals like we did at Bolton week on week.

[Concrete John]

It's a tight league where one or two results going the other way can make a big difference.  However, if we're going to do that then we should also ask ourselves where we'd be if one or two didn't go our way....

[Risso]

It's a tight league where one or two results going the other way can make a big difference.  However, if we're going to do that then we should also ask ourselves where we'd be if one or two didn't go our way....

Exactly, it's a completely pointless exercise.  I'm sure all teams have excuses why they could have a few more points as well.  We are where we deserve to be.

[sfx412]

I accepted this season as a transitional one, by that I thought 10th - 12th, not fighting fucking relegation.

I think but for the horrendous run of injuries we would have another 6-10 points and be comfortably top half, as it is we are 13th.

I agree, but why can't some  fans see this ?

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I accepted this season as a transitional one, by that I thought 10th - 12th, not fighting fucking relegation.

I think but for the horrendous run of injuries we would have another 6-10 points and be comfortably top half, as it is we are 13th.

I agree, but why can't some  fans see this ?

What use is saying we should be in 'blah-blah' position when we're in a relegation scrap?
Almost as bad as 'too good to go down.'

[VillaZogmariner]

It's a tight league where one or two results going the other way can make a big difference.  However, if we're going to do that then we should also ask ourselves where we'd be if one or two didn't go our way....

And there are that many teams in the same relegation fight that every week there are 2/3 games where they are playing each other. For example -

Aston Villa v Wolves
Blackburn v Blackpool
Stoke v Newcastle
Wigan v Birmingham
Everton v Fulham

So if (and it is an if) we beat Wolves and all the other results go against us we still are guaranteed to increase the gap between us and 3rd bottom.

[Concrete John]

@VillaSubmariner

Yes, there probably were 'wasters' in there when he took over and he's made good moves getting shot of them.  However, I still don't see a side out there that look like they're willing to run through walls for their manager.  He needs to get inside their heads, even the ones who may be off in the summer, and get them playing to their optimum for Aston Villa, which again I don't see. 

[Chris Smith]

I accepted this season as a transitional one, by that I thought 10th - 12th, not fighting fucking relegation.

I think but for the horrendous run of injuries we would have another 6-10 points and be comfortably top half, as it is we are 13th.

If's and but's are of no help Chris.

If we'd turned four of draws into wins, we'd be 8 points better half.

But it's meaningless, what's the point in saying it?

Beacuse it's true.

If you were expecting 10th - 12th then we are currently one place outside that. We've had the worst run of injuries I have ever known as a Villa fan, on top of losing our best player, the managerial upheavals and unrest from some squad members. How can you just ignore that and pretend it isn't a major part of the reason why this season has been so disappointing.

[sfx412]

Brilliant post Norm, thanks for sharing. In your opinion, does this efficient-sounding system bear any resemblance to the shambolic rubbish that we are currently enduring? It didn't look much like zonal coverage to me when Nathan Baker was facing his own goal and vainly chasing Cahill around our box on Saturday.

Indeed it was, but don't you think the fact we had a defence made up of so many new faces in new positions hindered us.
Don't you think Baker playing only his second PL game and returning from injury, might not be up to speed and / or good enough as a contributory factor.
Over all the defence did ok considering Bolton aren't anyone's fools at home this season and yes while as in several seasons under Mon the defence has not been as good as last season, there are plenty of contributing factors this term, factors absent in the poor defensive play under Mon, when he usually had a full squad to pick from, several transfer windows to change players and no early season disruptions.

[VillaZogmariner]

I never thought I'd see the day where I would be in as much agreement as I am with Chris Smith!

[Chris Smith]

I never thought I'd see the day where I would be in as much agreement as I am with Chris Smith!

Everyone gets there in the end!

[Concrete John]

The way I see it, and I know others will disagree with me, is as follows:-

Villa squad after Martin left - 6th
Villa squad after martin left, but without Milner - 8th
Villa squad after Martin left, but without Milner and carrying injuries - 12th-15th
Villa squad after Martin left, but without Milner and carry injuries, plus Bent - 9th-10th
Villa squad after Martin left, but without Milner and injuries cleared up, plus Bent - 6th-8th

Now, we can argue about what effect and for how long the injuries had, but ultimately a top half finish is not unrealistic given what he's had to work with at any given time during this season.  Lets see if he can produce it.

[Chris Smith]

The way I see it, and I know others will disagree with me, is as follows:-

Villa squad after Martin left - 6th
Villa squad after martin left, but without Milner - 8th
Villa squad after Martin left, but without Milner and carrying injuries - 12th-15th
Villa squad after Martin left, but without Milner and carry injuries, plus Bent - 9th-10th
Villa squad after Martin left, but without Milner and injuries cleared up, plus Bent - 6th-8th

Now, we can argue about what effect and for how long the injuries had, but ultimately a top half finish is not unrealistic given what he's had to work with at any given time during this season.  Lets see if he can produce it.

That's fair but I think it mostly depends on getting some centre halves back fit. If we have to play Clarke and Baker for any length of time then I have my doubts.