The underlying problem...

[old man villa fan]

Wouldn't disagree about Westwood being able to pick a pass, it is the time it takes him to get into a position to pass that I was getting at.  I am not sure whether it is confidence, ball control ability or he is not thinking of options before the ball gets to him.  The latter two points would point towards a limited player that needs time, something you do not get in the EPL.

[silhillvilla]

Westwood doesn't let the ball roll across him either and allow momentum to build , this was something Petrov and Barry used to do really well and Westwood as a more limited player doesn't have the ability instead he takes unnecessary touches and slows down the play which you can get away with in league 1 but not the EPL

[Witton Warrior]

Westwood doesn't let the ball roll across him either and allow momentum to build , this was something Petrov and Barry used to do really well and Westwood as a more limited player doesn't have the ability instead he takes unnecessary touches and slows down the play which you can get away with in league 1 but not the EPL

There is a general lack of movement ahaead of any ball carriers and this then leads ato a slowing down of play. Then forwards react but defenders have time to counter, a ball is played and we lose possession.

[aj2k77]

If lack of movement is the problem buying Gestede was a mistake.

[paul richard]

Westwood is championship standard.  He would do well at somewhere like Ipswich, where he can be nice and tidy on the ball without disturbing anyone. 

[tony scott]

I know this sounds simple but if the ball was played into the space upfront surely we would get more movement from the forwards.  I think because we don't want lose possession the midfielders wait to long and lose the ball anyway.

[KRS]

The lack of movement is a direct result of and a major issue with our immobile forwards. There isn't anywhere for them to move other than sideways as they are pushed up and marked by their defenders and dont move or drop off their markers to make space. Gestede, Gabby and Sinclair are all guilty of this particularly in and around their 18yd box.

[oswald funkletrumpet]

Westwood doesn't let the ball roll across him either and allow momentum to build , this was something Petrov and Barry used to do really well and Westwood as a more limited player doesn't have the ability instead he takes unnecessary touches and slows down the play which you can get away with in league 1 but not the EPL

westwood has been a mainstay of midfield for 3 years of shitness, he does slow the game down far too much and it hurts us big time. if sherwood starts him on sat there really is no hope

[silhillvilla]

Westwood doesn't let the ball roll across him either and allow momentum to build , this was something Petrov and Barry used to do really well and Westwood as a more limited player doesn't have the ability instead he takes unnecessary touches and slows down the play which you can get away with in league 1 but not the EPL

westwood has been a mainstay of midfield for 3 years of shitness, he does slow the game down far too much and it hurts us big time. if sherwood starts him on sat there really is no hope

I thought in the second half of his first season he was showing signs of adapting to the EPL and his game going up a gear or two, I recall that goal at smethwick he scored being a good example , but he really has regressed this last two seasons and I don't think he's going to make it at this level.

[oswald funkletrumpet]

Westwood doesn't let the ball roll across him either and allow momentum to build , this was something Petrov and Barry used to do really well and Westwood as a more limited player doesn't have the ability instead he takes unnecessary touches and slows down the play which you can get away with in league 1 but not the EPL

westwood has been a mainstay of midfield for 3 years of shitness, he does slow the game down far too much and it hurts us big time. if sherwood starts him on sat there really is no hope

I thought in the second half of his first season he was showing signs of adapting to the EPL and his game going up a gear or two, I recall that goal at smethwick he scored being a good example , but he really has regressed this last two seasons and I don't think he's going to make it at this level.

there was a point in the second half against the bitters when he was brushed off the ball so easily it was laughable. you cant play in his position and have zero physical presence.

[silhillvilla]

I know I go on about Michael Carrick but that's why he's so good at what he does and he's 6ft 4" too and doesn't get brushed aside.

[aj2k77]

I know I go on about Michael Carrick but that's why he's so good at what he does and he's 6ft 4" too and doesn't get brushed aside.

How much does he weigh?

[pauliewalnuts]

Westwood is a good passer of the ball, but the problem is all the other stuff he doesn't do. I don't think we're good enough to be able to "afford" a player like him at the moment.

[Ian.]

Westwood is also well off form at the moment, so for a player who's only a 7 out of 10 fella while he's on his game should be left out for now. At least we might see something different for set pieces too. So bloody predictable.

[silhillvilla]

If he's dropped Saturday we will know sherwood reads here, maybe Ray does too or Tony