Aston Villa v Southampton Post Match Thread

[brontebilly]

I'd be bloody delighted.

Definitely. I'd be aiming for 10 more points than last year.

After spending what 70m in the summer on transfer fees alone ?

[Lastfootstamper]

Tonight was the first time I’ve become a smith out proponent. He’s great. He’s fine. But that’s what he is, he can’t react mid game to what we need. A very thorough manager, well prepared but he is the me who is holding us back now.

And I’m deliberating saying this now, while there’s no crisis. He’s ok. But if we aspire to be top 8 this season, he’s not fine.

Top 8, wow I would be happy with 14th and that’s with our start. Top 8 I personally think is well over the top.

I’d be ‘happy’ with 14th.
To go from finishing 5th in the championship to 14th in the prem in 2 seasons would be nothing short of stunning.

I'd be 'happy' too, it'd be our highest finish in a decade.

[villa for life]

Smith has been brilliant. Just the last two games have really shown his limitations. He’ll be fine for mid table, though.

[villa for life]

On paper, I think our first eleven is better than Leeds and Southampton.

Anyone disagree?

[RamboandBruno]

Tonight was the first time I’ve become a smith out proponent. He’s great. He’s fine. But that’s what he is, he can’t react mid game to what we need. A very thorough manager, well prepared but he is the me who is holding us back now.

And I’m deliberating saying this now, while there’s no crisis. He’s ok. But if we aspire to be top 8 this season, he’s not fine.

Honestly!!
We’re 6th after 6 games, largely looking loads better than last season, including the 2nd half today even if Southampton in part sat back.
Does Ancelotti also need to go after Everton lose their 2nd game in a row to Newcastle??

[Mister E]

On paper, I think our first eleven is better than Leeds and Southampton.
Anyone disagree?

The evidence suggests not.

[brontebilly]

Martinez 6 - maybe should be getting a defender back on post for second free kick?
Cash 3 - hopeless defensively, lucky not to be sent off. No better than Guilbert so far but Elmo will come in the next day
Konsa 5 - not his assured self I thought though to be fair the shit show was ahead of him
Mings 5 - didn't jump in the wall which cost us one goal. Did well in the opposition box for a change but poor again in his own
Targett 7 - very good second half combining with Grealish, gave away free kick for first goal though
Luiz 4 - having a poor season but has been sold out by the tactics. Impossible to cover midfield by himself. Gave away free kick for one goal.
McGinn 4 - useless for about 60 mins until he shifted next to Luiz. Improved from then on but game was done.
Barkley 2 - the epitome of a hologram without the ball. Doesn't run, doesn't tackle, holds onto ball too long. Somehow not replaced. Risible effort to retain ball for their fourth.
Traore 5 - one decent shot but wasn't giving Cash much help. Completely unsuited to the role he seems to have been bought to play
Watkins 4 - bullied physically I thought. Movement was poor. Did well for penalty but another struggle up front.
Grealish 9 - outstanding. A goal and two assists, forced a series of other chances including two just after half time.

Trez 8 - worked like a trooper and three fine efforts. A very limited player but nothing wrong with his application.
Elmo 6 - got plenty of the ball when he came in. Solid enough I guess

[ChicagoLion]

On paper, I think our first eleven is better than Leeds and Southampton.
Anyone disagree?

The evidence suggests not.

pitty we play on grass.

[villa for life]

Smith , Bielsa, Hasenhuttl

Who’s the best manager?

[ChicagoLion]

Smith , Bielsa, Hasenhuttl

Who’s the best manager?

Oh let me see
Who is the best player Ronaldo Messi or Scott Hogan?

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Smith , Bielsa, Hasenhuttl

Who’s the best manager?

Can change by the week depending on the wind direction.

[SoccerHQ]

I'd be bloody delighted.

Definitely. I'd be aiming for 10 more points than last year.

After spending what 70m in the summer on transfer fees alone ?

45 points could get us 11th or 12th.

Top half would be pretty good. It's still very possible as long as we get out of this developing malaise pretty quickly.

[SaddVillan]

No. 1 son who's stuck in Bucharest and watches on streams has just sent me this - perceptive/balanced/cause for hope?

Had a few more thoughts v Southampton.

We've got the youngest team in the league, and many of them have only experience of really 1 season in the Prem as first team players or even less. We had a 'fairytale' (to use a trite commentary phrase) start to the season, and I think the Leeds game was a crushing blow to confidence as we were efficiently cut to pieces by a much better drilled and organised team, it takes time to get this team - of which several key players are still new to - back to form.

Nevertheless I'd say we've only played 1 bad 90 mins; unfortunately it was the second half v Leeds and the first half v Southampton. The second showed improvement and that this team still has fight in it.

Heads must not dip and keep themselves grounded as it's a long season and with Covid probably going to be a weird one.

[passport1]

The result papers over some pretty considerable cracks.

[Axl Rose]

Smith , Bielsa, Hasenhuttl

Who’s the best manager?

Definitely not Smith in any way.