Dean Smith - Confirmed

[Mister E]

Leicester was cautious because of what they saw us do to Liverpool the game before. They couldn't afford to be as aggressive in fear of our counter. Also they didn't have Vardy who makes a massive difference for them and how they approach the game. It was still a brilliant win for us but there were significant factors that contributed to that.

And, equally, Leeds and Sourhampton took the view that if they pressed and stopped us getting into our stride they'd smother us; which they did.

[Allan C]

When you try and find faults in your team winning the first four games of the season and scoring 12 goals, then you really wonder why people bother. Maybe following a team isn't for them?

Absolutely agree with this  I can’t quite believe what I’m reading on some threads. I also dislike the way some have to find a scapegoat

[Big Ming]

On the basis of the second half against Southampton, better let the players decide the formation and tactics against the Arse.

[eamonn]

Let's just call it quits and do them at the Dell in 6 months or whenever.

[RamboandBruno]

I think this is a team with a) new players and b) good existing players who survived a really traumatic season last year. I think they probably have confidence which aligns with their ability but that confidence is probably a bit fragile at the moment and Leeds probably knocked them back, hence then being a bit all over the place against a good team, when they walked over the white line. Whether smith told them to play further up the pitch or they decided themselves, we’ll never really know (like most things it was probs shades of grey and a bit of both).
Although we lost on Sunday, hopefully the second half performance gives them a bit of that confidence and pomp back. I also get Southampton cruising hence letting us back in the game, but we were  also good enough to take advantage of that, I’m convinced another 5 mins and we equalise. We would never have got 3 goals back from that position last year.

[Lastfootstamper]

We're also a young side, youngest in the division.

[oldhill_avfc]

Without getting too bogged down in the detailed tactics - it seems to me that the basic difference in the Leeds and Southampton games was a reversion to the pre lockdown open style of play. 

After lockdown and in the first 4 games we seemed to have a more conservative approach and prioritised staying in the game and then taking our chances as the game opened up (even the Liverpool game was like this as we essentially hit  them on the counter time and time again).

Maybe the management team will give it a rethink as we certainly got overloaded in midfield and against the fullbacks in the last 2 games when we over committed going forward.

[Mister E]

.... I also get Southampton cruising hence letting us back in the game, but we were  also good enough to take advantage of that ...

but, according to Ralph, they weren't "cruising": they were knackered from maintaining a high press on us for the first hour.
Our challenge is keep the game tighter and survive the initial storm posed by the oppo. We did that against SheffU and Leicester; it can be done.

[jwarry]

We're also a young side, youngest in the division.

We're also a young side, youngest in the division.

Are we, I didn’t know that

[Lastfootstamper]

We're also a young side, youngest in the division.

Are we, I didn’t know that

It's not by much, but yes.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/altersschnitt/wettbewerb/GB1

[Lastfootstamper]

That's actual combatants that have taken to the field of play btw, not squad age.

[SamTheMouse]

Without getting too bogged down in the detailed tactics - it seems to me that the basic difference in the Leeds and Southampton games was a reversion to the pre lockdown open style of play. 

After lockdown and in the first 4 games we seemed to have a more conservative approach and prioritised staying in the game and then taking our chances as the game opened up (even the Liverpool game was like this as we essentially hit  them on the counter time and time again).

Maybe the management team will give it a rethink as we certainly got overloaded in midfield and against the fullbacks in the last 2 games when we over committed going forward.

Yep, this is exactly my impression.

[dcdavecollett]

Interesting thought, though I'm not sure the 'cagey' approach you are advocating -and I would certainly want against Arse- is a good description of the performance against Liverpool!

[Hillbilly]

When Dean Smith came to Villa, I recall a comment by a pundit that his teams tend to go all out for goals. And when it works it's exceptional but it can go horribly wrong. I think this season with a team that's pretty much all his we're now seeing it play out.

I'll take entertaining.

[olaftab]

I have decided Dean can stay in charge for another match.