The trouble is with Gardner, is that in every game I've seen him play for us, which admittedly I could count on one hand, I've yet to see the ability on the ball that was talked about when he was coming up through the ranks. I've not seen the passing range. Yesterday his passing was awful. He's never been quick and he's never really been quick footed, so he's got to have the ability to spread the play well or find an attacking teammate quickly and incisively. Westwood did that far better yesterday. For me, he's got till January to prove himself. In fact it may well be the end of the month, depending on who we sign. We've got three games coming up in which he will really need to excel (if/when he plays). Now or never. He can't afford to have games as bad as yesterday.
Pointy's first effort was poor but the second was a pretty decent attempt
Quote from: UK Redsox on August 09, 2016, 12:07:25 PMPointy's first effort was poor but the second was a pretty decent attemptThe 2nd would been an early contender for goal of the season if he'd got it on target, it was an incredibly difficult chance.
Maybe he would look better in a 3 or with someone more energetic than Westwood. The fact that he made Westwood look like Kante yesterday worries me.
Quote from: garyshawsknee on August 08, 2016, 04:43:55 PMMaybe he would look better in a 3 or with someone more energetic than Westwood. The fact that he made Westwood look like Kante yesterday worries me.I had a quick look on a Wednesday forum yesterday and there was a pretty universal view that our midfield were right on top of theirs and gave them no time.If, having witnessed Championship football for several years, they think Westwood and Gardner close down quickly I suddenly have a lot more confidence about our chances over the rest of this season!
Quote from: pbavfckuwait on August 08, 2016, 01:10:01 PMBR 89 Gardner has had many chances at Villa Park and has been found wanting, good youth player but not a top class Championship player and not a prem player either.Mc Cormack has played one game, when he has played as often as Gardner then is the time to have a go.Yep, it was a woeful argument really.
BR 89 Gardner has had many chances at Villa Park and has been found wanting, good youth player but not a top class Championship player and not a prem player either.Mc Cormack has played one game, when he has played as often as Gardner then is the time to have a go.
I don't want to be negative but...He can't pass, he can't tackle, he can't shoot, he isn't creative, he is very slow.So what is he exactly good at? He adds nothing to the midfield. That is the midfield with no creativity, no bite to press and win the ball back.IMHO not good enough to start in a midfield aiming to be promoted this season.I know I won't be popular because he is "one of us" but that's how I see it sadly.