Ashley Westwood - Sold to Burnley

[Matt Collins]

Tacking is definitely much less prevalent. It's mostly about interceptions nowadays.

[Caiphus]

The big problem with Sanchez is his inconsistency, and the spectrum of it. It's not that he's good in some games and not so good in others, it's that he's very good in some games and absolutely appalling in others, such as Arsenal and QPR away.

There's obviously a very capable player in there though, so it'll be a test of Sherwood and Wilkins' coaching ability to get the best out of him.

That's pretty indicative to me of the standard adjustment period to the BPL tempo from a player used to more technical play.  I wouldn't be surprised if the gap between his best and worst slims by a fair margin this season.

[RussellC]

Possibly, although his performance at Arsenal was largely ruined by conceding possession time and time again when under little or no pressure.

I think games like tonight’s are where Sanchez should really be proving his worth. Against a team that’s likely to feature Rooney as the highest player up the pitch, they’re going to be looking to play a lot of football in-between or midfield and defence.

[ciggiesnbeer]

This not bene posted yet? Worth reading.

In praise of Ashley Westwood

http://football.chrisnee.co.uk/2015/08/aston-villas-ashley-westwood-rewarded.html

[Toronto Villa]

This not bene posted yet? Worth reading.

In praise of Ashley Westwood

http://football.chrisnee.co.uk/2015/08/aston-villas-ashley-westwood-rewarded.html

He's done well, and he's one of those unnoticed players that just ticks along. I just feel there needs to be another gear to his game that chips in with a few more goals. Maybe if the other midfielders get to do their job effectively then in essence Westwood is already doing his.

Anyway, funny in that article regarding the ever accurate shit stirrer that is James Nursey.

[RussellC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3201839/Premier-League-managers-need-proper-scouting-lower-divisions-instead-looking-overseas-signings.html

An interesting article from Adrian Durham, who often sings Westwood's praises. I'm not sure I agree with it though. The fact that Westwood is the only example that he can come-up with perhaps suggests that it's the exception to the rule and that Sherwood has a more valid point. Also, doesn't really account for the fact that Westwood has been a mainstay in a side that's been hanging onto its Premier League status by the skin of its teeth ever since he's been in it.

[peter w]

Pretty similar stats for passing. Both at 83-84% success on average.

Lies. Damned Lies. Etc

That doesn't show where the passes were made, where the recipient of the pass was on the pitch, were the passes backwards, sideways, or going forward. Was the pass made at a stretch trying to clear up a wayward pass to either Sanchez or Westwood, was the pass a decent one but intercepted because the other player was on his heels etc etc  I very rarely look at the stats because they can never show the true picture.

[RussellC]

Statistics are like mini-skirts. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.

[peter w]

Statistics are like mini-skirts. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.

Wow. You've made me feel quite aroused.

[Brend'Watkins]

Pretty similar stats for passing. Both at 83-84% success on average.

Lies. Damned Lies. Etc

That doesn't show where the passes were made, where the recipient of the pass was on the pitch, were the passes backwards, sideways, or going forward. Was the pass made at a stretch trying to clear up a wayward pass to either Sanchez or Westwood, was the pass a decent one but intercepted because the other player was on his heels etc etc  I very rarely look at the stats because they can never show the true picture.

Agree.  For the most part during Lambert's vision of possession football period last season it was lovely triangles between defence and midfield in our own half.  Everyone's stats for passing improved I would imagine apart from Guzan who by the time it came back to him it was just a hoof.

[peter w]

Its similar to successful crosses. A great cross may be made to look bad because of the useless lump trying to make a success of jumping in the air. Plus, it doesn't register a great bit of defending that just with strained neck sinews gets a touch onto a ball that stops a goal. It then may or may not result in a corner or the ball landing at someone's  feet which in turn leads to a goal. Plus a successful cross may be an over hit or under hit attempt that goes to another player in the same team that tidies up the mess but it becomes 'successful'.

[RussellC]

A prime example of how misleading stats can be was Arsenal's opener against Palace at the weekend. Officially Ozil will be given the assist for Giroud's goal, but the cross itself was poor, behind Giroud, and only converted because of Giroud's brilliant finish.

[Gregorys Boy]

Still not totally convinced about Westwood.  Think he's solid but hasn't really progressed too much over the last three years.

[Clampy]

I'm not a massive fan of his but I think he's been pretty decent in the first two games.

[silhillvilla]

We will learn more about westwood in the next 4 games. All winnable.