Better in the second half. Grealish looks a real talent and most of our best 2nd half moments involved him. I don't think a Villa youngen has excited me quite as much since Darius to be honest. Grealish has skill, he glides with the ball at his feet, and he's clever with it too. I say we chuck Grealish in early season and see how he does. He looks more than able enough to get into this side. It did Everton no harm with Barkley. Jack looks every bit as comfortable a footballer as Ross, even if he lacks his physique, and well shorn hair. We need a spark. We need someone to brighten things, and a lad like Grealish getting a good chance to shine, might just be that.
Hutton was okay again. Looks like he's first choice RB at the moment.
Westwood was poor. Too contemplative on the ball and not quick witted enough. I think KEA has actually looked better than him in pre-season and possibly should be pushing to partner Delph in the opening game.
Stevens did alright and actually looks like he may have stepped ahead of Bennett in the pecking order. He's poor going forward but he's less frightening at that defending lark than Gordon Bennett.
Okore always looks composed but he chances his luck a little too much at the back when he's on the ball. I think Senderos will get the nod to partner Vlaar next week as I suspect Lambo will opt for experience. Philippe was okay today to be fair.
Gabby and Weimann were poor. Bent got almost no service when he came on, but you expect Bent to be quiet. He almost nabbed the game at the end, which would have been typical of him.
Creativity is a big problem. For me, I'd load our midfield. 3 in the middle, two flair players (Zog and Grealish) and leave Bent up on his own. I don't think we can afford to play Gabby and Weimann together as neither really creates much, or looks like getting on the end of chances and scoring. I'd replace them with an attacking mid and Bent in the side. Bent has a part to play I think, but you can only afford one striker who does nothing all game. For me, of the three, it has to be Bent because he's the one most likely to find space and tuck away a chance. 4-3-2-1, Bent through the middle.
