Aston Villa vs Watford Sir Graham Taylor Memorial Game

[Goldie.7]

Whelan has put through more dangerous balls in 30 minutes than I've seen Grealish do in half a season.

[Sexual Ealing]

We've been wasteful in the final third.

They still look more keen to show that they at least tried, rather than risking looking stupid if they go for broke in trying something to actually get the ball in the net.

[darren woolley]

We've done well first half.

[Villafirst]

Terry looks class. Totally in control and a good passes out of defence.

[Matt Collins]

Yep good half - the back 4 plus 2 DMs look good as does Elmo

Gabby movement good, product bad

Agree Green doesn't look ready to play week in week out

Lansbury doesn't look a 10 to me

Not enough goal threat. Hogan needs to come in for jack or gabby next week

[tomd2103]

This is quite far off a full strength Watford side I think

And a week behind us on preps.

Really?

Not sure we have a full dossier on Watfords pre season and fitness status...pretty sure the notion of a Prem team being behind a football league in fitness etc is a fallacy.

Watford without Hughes, Prodl and Deeney from their first choice team.

I fully expecting them to be fighting relegation.

Didn't Prodl come on early and as for Deeney, he is sat in the away end.

[CJ]

Have to admit having been a bit critical of Bruce's signings this year I've been impressed with the three we've seen today - especially Whelan. Still lacking in the final third, and it's a continuing concern that without Kodjia it's hard to see where the goals will come from.

[Toronto Villa]

We've been wasteful in the final third.

They still look more keen to show that they at least tried, rather than risking looking stupid if they go for broke in trying something to actually get the ball in the net.

One of the key metrics from last season was just how wasteful we were in the final third and especially how few shots we got in on goal. Once again we've not tested the keeper despite having a lot of possession. That has to improve because otherwise we then become susceptible to the counter. I know it's pre season and everything but I'd like to see us being a bit more direct and decisive and take more shots on goal.

[Exeter 77]

I'm impressed with Whelan although he did give the ball away on the edge of his own box at one point.

[eamonn]

Who came off for Bacuna and were they injured?

[Toronto Villa]

Who came off for Bacuna and were they injured?

Jack. Looked more precautionary but would have been good to see him a bit more

[peter w]

I agree TV although this time I think we're too guilty of trying to be too clever with it. Gabby and green have both had chances to be a bit greedier and drive into the box towards goal and either shoot or draw a challenge. Neither has that forwards instinct. I think Hogan or Kodjia (even Davis or RHM) would be different. I think Bruce will have a word in their ears at h/t which will be along the lines of, "Have a go".

[Mister E]

Yep good half - the back 4 plus 2 DMs look good as does Elmo

Gabby movement good, product bad

Agree Green doesn't look ready to play week in week out

Lansbury doesn't look a 10 to me

Not enough goal threat. Hogan needs to come in for jack or gabby next week

Agree - particualrly the point about Lansbury. He is still failing to impress, for me.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Turning out to be a good half for us ...with a goal scorer on the pitch who know what could have happened.

I'll only judge a goalscorer when we can give him decent service. Right now we're feeding him scraps. It would be nice to see a few more players getting up to support him.

Right now we look solid without looking threatening.

[Toronto Villa]

I agree TV although this time I think we're too guilty of trying to be too clever with it. Gabby and green have both had chances to be a bit greedier and drive into the box towards goal and either shoot or draw a challenge. Neither has that forwards instinct. I think Hogan or Kodjia (even Davis or RHM) would be different. I think Bruce will have a word in their ears at h/t which will be along the lines of, "Have a go".

Yep. That's how I saw it also. I'm glad we are getting the ball forward and better forwards will do more with it and I hope be much more decisive.